Optimist World Championships - The overwhelming power of Singapore

by Elena Giolai on 24 Jul 2013 The 2013 Optimist World Championship will conclude in just two days time in Riva del Garda, Italy. On day four, the overwhelming power of Singapore was confirmed with four athletes in the top six. After yesterday's lay day it was unfortunate that the Race Committee could only manage one race for each of the four fleets, due to the weather conditions.

The southerly wind arrived later than usual but with a steady 10-12 knots for the first group of starts. But as these first four races progressed it continually decreased. Towards the end of these first races the strong westerly wind arrived and all fleets were instructed to quickly head for shore.

Singaporean Loh Jia Yi, with a scoreline of 1-1-1-2-3-2 recorded a 23rd today but continues to lead, five points ahead of German Nils Sternbeck. Sternbeck today scored a good second, and third overall is Swiss Damian Suri, who finished fifth today.

Nipping at the heels of the top three are the trio of Singapore with Edward Tan, fourth just one point from the podium, followed by teammates Han Bertha and Koh Kun.

Tomorrow, if the wind conditions are more stable, the Race Committee hope to complete three races.