Blackburn maintains lead, Chant up to second
by SSF (As Amended By ISAF) on 14 Jun 2006
Michael Blackburn Bass Strait those washing up gloves work West Ashton
After four days of racing, conditions are not likely to improve for 2006 Asia Pacific Laser Championship. With one last day to go and temperamental conditions so far, no one knows what to expect of the weather anymore.
The first race of the day started promptly at 11.00am with slight winds blowing 8 knots off the eastern waters of Singapore. The apt arrival of the storm during lunch had the Race Officers shortening the course and the sailors heading back to shore. By the time the conditions improve an hour later, a second race begun with winds averaging 12 knots which soon petered out to 2 knots or so before the first boat even reach the windward mark. Hence, the second race of the day was abandoned. A third race was managed, however similar conditions allowed only two thirds of the competitors to finish the race.
Australian Michael Blackburn pulled two firsts out of the bag today to assert his lead in the Laser Standard fleet. Fellow Australian Joshua Chant caught up to second with a 13-point margin behind Blackburn. Singapore’s Maximilian Soh drops a place to third with 4 points behind Chant.
Notable mention goes to 18-year old Singaporean Lo Man Yi who has outrivaled her male counterparts to climb to the top of the Laser Radial fleet. 'The conditions today were challenging, the winds were very light and we spent a lot of time sailing against the strong currents. My results have been quite consistent, which I’m happy for. The competition is strong so I hope to sail well tomorrow and maintain my position.' Following close behind with a three-point lag is Malaysia’s Nik Ashraf Qaedi. In third position is Singapore’s Colin Cheng who gained an OCS disqualification in Race 7.
Tomorrow’s the last day of 2006 Asia Pacific Laser Championship, prize presentation takes place at 6.30pm following the completion of the races.
The 2006 Asia Pacific Laser Championship is organised by Singapore Sailing Federation and sponsored by Bausch & Lomb (S) Pte Ltd, Brewerkz Singapore Pte Ltd, Laser (Performance Sailcraft), Singapore Sports Council and Sentosa Leisure Group.
http://apaclaser2006.sailing.org.sg/
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