New day, new conditions at Para World Sailing Championships

by Megan McKay on 27 May 2016 2016 Para World Sailing Championships - The third day of racing at the Delta Lloyd Regatta, incorporating the Para World Sailing Championships, in Medemblik, served sailors a completely different range of conditions. Early morning glassy water slowly changed into an onshore breeze of seven - twelve knots, and sailors revelled in the sunnier conditions.

With all classes now including drop races, positions have changed and Australians are again featuring in the podium spots.

In the Skud 18, the defending champions, Australia’s Daniel Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch, had a first and a second in today’s two races. With the drop now in play, the Aussies have moved up into second overall.

“It’s amazingly exciting,” said Tesch at the conclusion of racing today. “It’s good to see how tight the fleet is getting. The start is getting messy, which is very challenging. Today we dug deep - it's quite exciting to come back after a few disasters. We learn a lot when we lose and we have a lot to improve on when we win.

“We also love that there is such a great competition going on with Australian training partners, Ame and Brett. It’s pretty exciting for Australia to have this going on now.”

Australia’s other crew in the Skud 18, Ame Barnbrook and Brett Pearce have continued to sail consistently. The Aussies had a fourth and a third today, and are currently sixth overall, only one point behind the three crews who are in equal second place.

Meanwhile in the Paralympic 2.4mR class, Australia’s Matt Bugg, continues his solid performance. He scored two fourth placings today, and is on equal points with the German leader, Heiko Kroger. France’s Damien Seguin is only one point behind them.

“Racing was very tough today,” said Bugg as he came off the water. “It was tough with the wind conditions shifting all time, really patchy and light.

“I am happy with my results from today and hope to keep improving. Tomorrow will be really interesting as it’s very tight between three of us at the top and I am going to have to get out there and win some races.”

In the Sonar class, Australia’s crew of Colin Harrison, Jonathan Harris and Russell Boaden continue to hold onto fifth overall. The Aussies sailed consistently today to finish with a sixth and a third place. With the top five boats all within four points, racing will be tough and close again tomorrow.

In Olympic classes, Australia’s Luke Elliott is currently fifth overall, after scoring a 16th and a third in today’s two races.

Racing in Medemblik continues through until Saturday. The races can be followed live through the event website.

Results for the Australian Sailing Team and Squad at the conclusion of day two, Delta Lloyd Regatta:

Paralympic Three Person Keelboat – Sonar

• Colin Harrison (WA/WAIS), Jonathan Harris (NSW/NSWIS) and Russell Boaden (WA/WAIS) – AST: 3, 2, (12), 4, 6, 3 – fifth

Paralympic Single Person Keelboat – International 2.4mR

• Matt Bugg (TAS/TIS) – AST: 3, 3, 3, (10), 4, 4 – second
• Neil Patterson (TAS/TIS) – (23), 19, 6, 17, 20, 20 – 20th

Paralympic Two Person Keelboat – Skud 18

• Daniel Fitzgibbon (NSW/NSWIS) / Liesl Tesch (NSW/NSWIS) – AST: 1, 7, 8, (OCS), 1, 2 – second
• Ame Barnbrook (NSW/NSWIS) / Brett Pearce (NSW/NSWIS) – ASS: 5, 5, (6), 3, 4, 3 - sixth

Men’s One Person Dinghy – Laser

• Luke Elliott (WA/WAIS) – ASS: 1, 15, 6, 7, (16), 3 – fifth
• Daniel Self: 27, 26, 31, 36, 41, (41) - 39th

Mens’ Skiff – 49er

• Sam Gilmour and Cameron Seagreen: (DNF), DNF, DNF, 19, 21, 22, 19, 20 – 25th