2012 Paralympics- Dutch Trio remain clear in the Sonar after Day 4
by ISAF on 5 Sep 2012
Series leader NED on Day 4 of the 2012 Paralympics at Portland David Staley - IFDS
Only one Sonar race was possible on the fourth day of the London 2012 Paralympic Sailing Regatta and Netherlands' Udo Hessels, Marcel van de Veen and Mischa Rossen remain in the lead with an 11 point cushion.
The day's race win went to Jens Kroker, Siegmund Mainka and Robert Prem (GER) which moved the German trio from fourth to second overall.
With a morning postponement and several attempts at starting Race 7, the Sonar fleet eventually got away at 14:45 local time.
Kroker enjoyed the light conditions and had a 16 second advantage at the first mark. He steered his boat expertly and was never really challenged throughout as he took the bullet six seconds ahead of John Twomey, Anthony Hegarty and Ian Costelloe (IRL), who had their best race of the series.
Overall leaders, Hessels, van de Veen and Rossen finished the race behind the German and Irish teams for another excellent result. Whilst those around them have faced disqualifications and struggled in the light breeze they have hit the nail on the head and established themselves at the top of the leader board.
A fifth from Paul Callahan, Tom Brown and Bradley John in Race 7 was enough to propel them into the final podium spot. However five points separates third to seventh so their position is not comfortable as the Australian, French, British and Norwegian crews breathe down their necks.
Race 8 was postponed immediately after the race finish and will be sailed on 5 September along with Races 9 and 10.
The Sonars commence racing at 10:00 local time.
Top Five
1. Udo Hessels, Marcel van de Veen & Mischa Rossen (NED) - 12pts
2. Jens Kroker, Siegmund Mainka & Robert Prem (GER) - 23pts
3. Paul Callahan, Tom Brown & Bradley Johnson (USA) - 27pts
4. Colin Harrison, Jonathan Harris & Stephen Churm (AUS) - 29pts
5. Bruno Jourdren, Nicolas Vimont-Vicary & Eric Flageul (FRA) - 30pts
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