Finn Silver Cup - Perfect day for Luke Lawrence!

by Corinne Mckenzie on 22 Aug 2010 Finn Silver Cup’s second day saw two victories for Miami sailor Luke Lawrence, who now takes the lead of the event. Josip Olujic (CRO) conserves his second place while Australian sailor Oliver Tweddell gains two places to third overall.

Despite saying on the first day to prefer light conditions, Luke Lawrence mastered the increasing breeze and the current to win both races today. 'I had a good start from the pin end and managed to have a clear path to the left of the course with more current to lift me to the top mark. I am not fast upwind but could keep good position on the course.'

With 93 kgs (205 lb), Lawrence is one of the fleet lightest. The breeze increasing from 13 knots in the first race to 20 in the second provided for athletic sailing. 'I was fast on the run but often just in control!!' Oliver Twiddell (AUS) and Jorge Zarif (BRA) finished in second and third place.

With increasing wind, the triangle course was set for the second race. Yesterday leader Caleb Paine (USA) rounded the top mark in top position after racing up the right side with Ioannis Mitakis (GRE). Coming from the left side Josip Olujic (CRO) rounded in third.

Luke Lawrence (USA) was not in good shape to win his second race after a bad start and in seventh place at the top mark. 'My first beat was not good; I was undecided and stayed too long in the middle where the island of Alcatraz stopped the current from pushing me towards the top mark. I had to make a decision and pick a side! Fortunately, I was able to gain some grounds and a couple of places on the run.' Lawrence won the race in front of Josip Olujic and Ioannis Mitakis.

At the end of the second day, Olujic is only three points from the lead. 'I have very regular results. Before coming, Bambi (Ivan Gaspic, European champion and world #1) told me that the key was to be consistent!'
On the first race today I took a very good start but I got a penalty for rocking upwind and lost lots of places. I am fast downwind so I managed to pass a couple of boats on each run. Fourth is not bad for a race with a penalty!'

Regatta leader Luke lawrence admitted that having John Bertrand's (USA) help was a real advantage. 'John has sailed here all his life and knows the bay like the back of his hand! It does help me build my confidence when I make tactical choice on the water. He has a good perspective of my sailing and helps me go fast.

We have worked together since May and already thanks to his help I was top three junior at the FINN European.' With Olympic selection in his mind, Lawrence knows that he has to keep working hard. 'There are good Finn sailors in the US. Zach Railey of course, but also Brian Boyd and Caleb. Hopefully we will push each other to the top!'

Racing will continue on Sunday with races five and six. The forecast is for building winds reaching 25 knots and stronger current which will provide for interesting racing.

For more information, please go to: www.finngoldcup.com