Delta Lloyd Regatta - Wild day for sailors in Medemblik

by Canadian Sailing Team on 23 May 2013 At the Delta Lloyd Regatta, it was big wind Wednesday. Strong North Westerly winds greeted the sailors as day broke, the slate grey sky, single digit temperatures and breeze in the 20-25 knot range promised for much entertainment on the race track. For both the Laser and Radial classes the race format called for a split to a 25 boat Gold fleet following today’s racing so the stakes were high in an effort to strike gold.

The Radial squad was first up with a 9:30 start and true to form the Dutch did not disappoint starting at 9:30 on the nose. With the wind having blown consistently in the 20s since early the previous evening the 'square waves' that Medemblik is renowned for were ever present creating mayhem for all.

The Radial fleet was able to get two races off before the race organizers decided to send the ladies home. Ingrid Merry led the way for the Canadian squad and other than an untimely capsize just moments prior to the final mark would have scored a respectable 11, 11 on the day, but that was not the fortune for Ingrid as the capsize proved costly dropping her to 21st for the first race of the day. All three of the Canadian Radial sailors pulled through and have moved on to the Gold fleet for the final series over the next two days.

The Laser men on the other hand had the misfortune of being the second fleet up for the day, postponed ashore for several hours, they managed to battle the breeze and complete two races. David Wright moves into 22nd qualifying for Gold fleet.

After lighting it up in yesterday’s racing Greg Douglas struggled to find his form today, pitching it in (capsizing) numerous times and digging himself into difficult positions. His 9, 12, 5 saw him drop to fourth overall, while Martin Robitaille posted a 6, 8, 8 and sits 10th after 6 races. Unlike the Laser and Radial classes the Finn fleet will not split until the Medal Delta Lloyd Canadian Sailing Team