Day 3 - Finn Focus at the Delta Lloyd Regatta, Medemblik

by Robert Deaves on 30 May 2009
Despite blotting his scorecard in race five today, Friday, Giles Scott (GBR) has maintained his seven point lead at the top of the Finn fleet after day three at the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Medemblik, Netherlands. A third in race four was followed by a 10th in race five as the sailors enjoyed another tough day on the IJsselmeer.

However in a gusty 15 to 20 knot winds it was his team mate Andrew Mills (GBR) who took the first gun of the day. Mills, who took race wins at both the Palma and Hyeres regattas is another product of the strong GBR team that now has three inside the top 10 here in Medemblik. Mills was followed over the line by Pieter-Jan Postma (NED), with another Brit, Ed Wright (GBR) in fourth place.

In the wavy conditions, there were big gains to be made downwind and most of the top 15 places were tight until the finish.

After a pretty average start to the regatta, Wright, who is the current leader of the ISAF Sailing World Cup was back on form in race five with a race win to bring him right back into contention. Postma was also going fast in the increased wind to post another second place while Zach Railey (USA) picked up a third for his efforts.

Railey said, 'It was very tough again today. Both sides of the course were paying at times, so playing shifts was key. The waves also made for big gains and losses on the downwind legs, and if you could get into a good groove you could make a lot of distance on boats around you.'

Wright's win lifts him to second overall, while Railey climbs two places to finish the day in third. After two low teens results yesterday, Postma's two second places today moves him up to fourth.

ISAF Sailing World Cup in Medemblik, Netherlands - Results:

Finn (after 5 races)
1. Giles Scott, GBR (9pts)
2. Ed Wright, GBR (16pts)
3. Zach Railey, USA (16pts)


The final qualification races will be sailed on Saturday to be followed by Sunday's medal race, tracked live through the event website.