World Masters Games - Sailing gets underway
by Event media on 15 Oct 2009
Crown Prince Frederik (R) of Denmark and his partner Chris Meehan (L) prepare to race before competition in the Taser Class - 2009 World Masters Games. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images Getty Images
The World Masters Games. After two days of postponements due to inclement weather competition finally got underway yesterday in the Tasar class at Woollahra Sailing Club.
With a fleet that includes a Crown Prince, several Olympians and two Olympic gold medallists the competition lived up to expectation.
In the 35+ category, 2000 Olympic gold medallist Tom King and crew Harley Kruse were unbeatable winning all three races of the day. HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, sailing with local crew Chris Meehan, demonstrated his competitive streak finishing ninth, eighth and seventh in the three races of the day.
Sailing in the Prince's boat Nanoq, the pair were unlucky not to finish the final race of the day higher in the fleet. They were forced to do a 720 degree penalty turn after they hit the top mark during the final lap. Whilst completing their turn Prince Frederik lost his hat as the boom swung across, but appeared to come out of the situation unscathed.
Despite this, they scored their best result of the day and are currently sitting in ninth place overall.
In other divisions, 2008 Olympic gold medallist Malcolm Page and skipper Martin Hill are second in the 45+ Tasar division behind Heather Macfarlane and Chris Payne, while the 55+ division is being led by 2000 olympian Neville Wittey and crew Jeanne-Claude Strong.
Racing will wrap up today with final races for the Laser, Laser Radial, Hobie and Tasar classes from 10am this morning.
Website: http://www.2009worldmasters.com/
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