Rio Olympics – Windsurfers return to action after rest day

by RYA on 10 Aug 2016 Windsurfers Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw will be looking to make hay in the waves as they resume their Rio 2016 campaigns tomorrow (Thursday 11 August).

Dempsey goes into races 7-9 of the RS:X class’ 11-race opening series with more than a three-point lead at the top of the leaderboard as he bids to become the most successful male Olympic windsurfer of all time by completing the full medal set.

Shaw, meanwhile, will be hoping to get her Rio campaign back on track, after a frustrating six first races on Guanabara Bay.

The Beijing 2008 bronze medallist provisionally ended Tuesday’s races in 10th overall, but after the International Jury awarded points compensation to Marion Lepert (USA) after racing following an incident involving Patricia Freitas (BRA) in race five, Shaw slipped out of the top 10 and now sits in 11th place.

Although successfully receiving redress points himself after being knocked of his board in race six, Dempsey could still find that decision overturned and his own points adjusted if the Dutch and French sailors, currently in second and fifth position respectively, successfully appeal that International Jury decision after racing today. Their appeal is supported by the Polish sailor, who is in the bronze medal position.

Regardless both Dempsey and Shaw will be looking forward to the a different set of challenges on the water as they move on to one of the ocean courses – the Niterói course - outside of the bay for the first time, where big waves and swell and cleaner wind less affected by Rio’s complex topography will provide new opportunities.

Shaw admitted she was looking forward to hopefully a change in fortunes on the outer ocean courses after coming off the water on Tuesday. Dempsey, meanwhile, knew what he was going to be doing on their rest day.

“Watching the Olympics,” he revealed. “I don’t know what’s on but I love watching the Olympics. I try not to sit down all day, stay active but I will enjoy relaxing and watching the other days’ racing.”

Racing is set to resume for the RS:Xs from 5pm on tomorrow. The RS:X class is scheduled to contest a 13 race series, with three races per day on 8, 9, 11 and 12 August before the final one off medal race on Sunday 14 August.