SB20 Asian Grand Slam and Asia Pacific Championships - Day 1 + Video

by Icarus Sailing on 30 Jan 2016 2016 SB20 Asian Grand Slam and Asia Pacific Championships - Welcome to the highly anticipated day one of racing here at the SB20 Asian Grand Slam and Asia Pacific Championship, hosted from the stunning venue of one degree 15 Marina. After taking a taste of the local monsoons during yesterday’s practice race, teams were hoping for something a bit brighter. All ready to race, after final checks to boats and kit.

This year, the SB20 Championship has set a participation record, with 22 teams from 13 nations in the line-up – featuring a diverse mix of experience and backgrounds. The ambition of youth is clearly inspiring the team on “Slippery When Wet”, who are up against seasoned campaigners and experienced Olympic sailors like Xu Yuan Zhen and his crew on “Zenith Sailing Team”.

The level of competition has significantly stepped up this year. There will be no easy path to victory. Edward Russo and his crew on “Black Magic” won the first race in a steady breeze, but a poor follow-up performance in race two handed the opening to Chris Dare and “Flirtatious”, who took the advantage. All change after race three, as the consistency of Xu Yuan Zhen placed Zenith top of the leaderboard. Three races down, six to go.

After an exciting opening day, teams headed back ashore in buoyant mood, ready to relax back at the marina. There is a lot of racing yet to unfold. Join us again on race day two.