Maxwell and Kinsolving maintain lead 470 Women's

by Jodi Kelly on 29 Jan 2008
It's an all too familiar sight going into tomorrow's medal race in the 470 Women's world championship with Erin Maxwell/Isabelle Kinsolving (USA) maintaining first place comfortably, just as they did at the Asia Pacific Regatta earlier this month.

On the final day of racing at the Asia Pacific Regatta, the Americans matched raced Ai Kondo/Naoko Kamata (JPN) off the course to secure their win for that series.

Tomorrow however, the American's focus will be on Giulia Conti/Giovanna Micol (ITA) who finished today in second place, with 62 points, 16 points behind first.

Despite a disappointing day with an OSC and a ninth place, Marcelien De Koning/Lobke Berkhout (NED) are still in third place overall on 69 points.

'Maybe we'll still be able to get into the top three,' De Koning said. 'But the points difference with the first boat is too big to make up.

'It's disappointing because we were in a good position at the start of today and we spoilt too many points today.'

Elise Rechichi/Tessa Parkinson (AUS) are a close fouth overall, despite also having a tough day with a fifth and 25th.

'We had a good solid first race then got really unlucky in the second.' Parkinson said.

'There was a sixty degree shift to the left and we were on the right.'

Despite the Olympics being only six months away, the Australians are doing their best to not get ahead of themselves.

'Our focus is just on this regatta at the moment no too much about the games.' Parkinson said. 'But we've been really happy about our performance in light winds.'

Christina Bassadone/Saskia Clark (GBR) relished today’s condition and the 12-15 knot winds to salute the judges in both Race 11 and 12, elevating themselves from 16th position and into the double points medal race tomorrow.

The medal race is scheduled to start at 2pm.

Full results shortly at www.sailmelbourne.com.au