Chicago Grade 2 Match Race - Wellington Spirit clinch podium spot
by Wellington Spirit Media on 21 Aug 2012
Wellington Spirit in action in Chicago Isao Toyoma
The Wellington Spirit Sailing Team kicked off the US Grand Slam at the Chicago Grade 2 Match Race with a third placing. This was the beginning of the teams build up for their first ever World Tour Event as St Moritz draws nearer.
The team started strongly and was placed second after the first of two round robins. On day two, the Spirit got off to a much slower start which saw them lose their first four matches in the variable light winds on Lake Michigan. The team re-grouped well however and found some much needed form to still be in the hunt for the semi finals.
Fortunately some other matches went the Spirits way and they found themselves racing local favourite Taylor Canfield for a spot in the final. After some close tense racing which saw penalties coming and going thick and fast, Taylor just got the better of the Spirit to win the semi final.
The sail off for third was against Jordan Reece from Australia. The Wellington Spirit boys finally found some consistent pace and were able to show Reece a clean pair of heels around the track in both races to take out third spot 2-0. 'It was great to finish the regatta on a high note after struggling earlier on' explained skipper Josh Junior after the race.
From Chicago, Wellington Spirit now heads to Detroit for the second of the Grand Slam events.
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