Sail-World.com Rio 2016 News- Brits find their feet in Rio
by Mark Jardine, Managing Editor on 11 Aug 2016
Giles Scott in big waves at the 2016 Rio Olympics Robert Deaves
Great Britain's sailors enjoyed the best day in Rio so far as Giles Scott sailed into pole position in the Finn, Nick Thompson moved into silver medal spot in the Laser and the Nacra 17s got their Games off to a flyer on Wednesday.
Four-time World Champion Scott threw down the gauntlet to his Finn rivals as a dominant day two display, in which he picked up a second and first, propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.
Scott said after racing, “It was big seas, really full on racing and I was really pleased to come away with a first and a second, especially after a frustrating start on Tuesday. It was quite nice to get some windy conditions just to dig your heels in and grunt up. Rio was quite kind to us on the outside courses. But there is still an awfully long way to go and the racing in Rio is particularly tough, it is going to throw all sorts at us so we really just have to be mindful of that and prepare as much as possible.”
Thompson said after his rise up the Laser rankings, “The biggest thing for me was just trying to knock in two decent results. I have been there and thereabouts in every race but today I have managed to show what I can do. It was nice to get out there, get some decent breeze and some good waves and Rio really delivered today, it was fantastic conditions. I think if I can keep plugging away we will be in good shape.”
Nacra 17 pair Ben Saxton and Nicola Groves are tied on points at the top of the leaderboard after their first day of racing.
Saxton said, “We are happy with how we sailed. I was just excited to actually sail at an Olympics and I was ready to get going, it’s cool. This is what we dream of, racing the best people in the world at the most important events is why we do this.”
Today sees the 470 classes, the Finns and the Nacra 17s race again. Also the two RS:X classes return to the water after their lay-day with Nick Dempsey hoping to continue his great form.
You can follow all the racing with news, views from our man on the ground Richard Gladwell, the schedule and useful links via our dedicated Rio 2016 section at www.sail-world.com/UK/rio2016
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