RS500 World Championship day 4

by Martin Johansson, SWE 51 on 11 Aug 2013 Day four of the RS500 World Championship and many are wondering, who is going to beat the Swedish Söderström sisters. Karin and Ingrid Söderström won 'winner of the day' with two firsts in Gottskär, chased in both races by Barton and Chipperfield.

On the fourth day of racing in light north-easterly winds and rain, the committee choose yet another race area in Kungsbackafjorden. This time more inshore and still without any obstacles to windward. With the U-flag already hoisted in the first start the whole fleet was cleared. The race area showed some current and shifty puffs and halfway to the first mark the predicted windshift to the left set in and gave part of the fleet a good advantage. In the very light downwind the leading pack extended their lead.

The second race showed similar conditions except that the rain now set in and made conditions even more unpredictable.

In the third race of the day the start was delayed, then abandoned and finally, after a successful start, the race cancelled as the wind shifted to west during the first downwind leg. All boats now raced to the shore for the daily aftersail in the clubhouse, with hot dogs and drinks (well deserved in the chilly weather) followed by 'Dutch Party' with orange hats, Dutch flags, drinks and cheese for all sailors and bypassers.

Later the Gottskär Hotel hosted the Regatta dinner with dresscode theme 'National Fancy Dress'. A great time was had by all, and a few sore heads this morning.

There are three races planned for the final day with chances still to grab better results, except for first place, already reserved for Sweden; Karin and Ingrid Söderström.

RS500 website