HYÈRES, FRANCE-(28-4-2004) If the conditions yesterday were perfect for some, the “breeze lovers” had their fair share today with sea breeze and waves. The South-Easterly wind increased all day to reach 20 knots in its peak. Choppy at the start, the sea evolved quickly to nice rolling waves.
The “heavy weather” sailors made the most of these physical conditions, sometimes winning all the races programmed today.
In the Tornado, Mitch Booth and Herbert Dercksen won each one of the 3 races by an impressive margin. They comfort their lead by 15 points over the Americans Lovell/Ogeltree. The Sydney Gold Medallists, Hagara/Steinacher are climbing to third position.
Mateusz Kusznierewicz was also at ease with the tough conditions, scoring 2 bullets today. He is closing the gap on Emilios Papathanasiou, 7 points ahead on 1st place. Rafael Trujillo and Sebastien Godefroid, strong wind masters, both scored a 2nd and a 3rd to place respectively 4th and 7th.
New-Zealanders and Australians have proved today their experience in this type of weather. In the Mistral, Tom Ashlett leads the scoreboard after 3 second places and a win in the last race. Sharron Ferris, used to sail in extreme conditions, scored a 1st and a 2nd in the Yngling class. The 30 years old “Kiwi” has won 3 speed World records on Maiden with Tracey Edwards: ”My most thrilling experience was helming Maiden into Newport with 40,6 knots!” The other race in the 3 women keelboat was won by Australian team of Nicky Bethwaite. The British team, helmed by Shirley Robertson continues on its high performance. They are increasing their lead to 21 points after scoring a 2nd and a 3rd. Despite a slow start in the regatta, Sydney Gold medallists, Jenny Armstrong and Belinda Stowell won the 3 races in the 470 women fleet. They slip just into first place, 1 point ahead of British team of Bassadone/Hopson. In the Laser, both Michael Blackburn (AUS) and Robert Scheidt (BRA) won two races. The double Olympic medallist is one of the best performer with a 4th as his worse result since the start of the regatta. He acceded to the top of the rankings with a 9 points margin on the Australian. Yesterday’s leader, Hamish Pepper went down to 7th after scoring top 20’s results.
In the Gold group of the 470 Men’s division, only 6 boats took the start of the second race. The majority of the fleet (31 boats) went back to shore at the end of the first race, thinking that the day was over! The 31 boats are protesting the Race Committee tonight. As a result, the overall standings have drastically changed. Jumping from 7th position, the new regatta leaders are the British Nick Rogers and Joe Glandfield.
It was a long day for the 49ers who completed 4 races. The Sibello brothers are keeping the lead of the fleet with conservative results. They are threatened by the Americans Wadlow/Spaulding who have climbed within 3 points of leaders after 2 victories and a second. The Brazilians Fonseca/Duarte are showing their regularity in the regatta with 9 results in the top 7. They are in 3rd position (4; 5; 6).
In the 2.4R, a battle has started between Thierry Schmitter (NED) and Damien Seguin (FRA) now on equal points. Allan Smith (GBR) is still in 3rd place, 4 points ahead of Olympic selection rival Helena Lucas.
Trine Abrahamsen (DEN), Mexican Tania Elias Calles and 2003 World Champion, Sarah Blank (AUS) won a race each in the Europe Gold fleet. Siren Sundby remains unchallenged 30 points ahead of main rival Sari Multala, penalized by a Black flag at the start of the second race.
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