Another lively day afloat plus an amazing inspirational story, Matt Sheahan and Steve Ancsell review the day
Another punishing day afloat for the sailors and their equipment as the breeze topped 25 knots at times, occasionally more. But as the lively conditions pushed sailors to their limits, the conditions also started to reveal those who thrive in the more boisterous conditions as well as providing a hint of who might make it into the medal races come Saturday.
Some, like Scheidt/Prada in the Star, the Sibello brothers in the 49er, Belcher/Page in the 470 men and Ainslie in the Finn are stamping their authority on their racing. Others, like Mills/Clark in the womens’ 470 and Analise Murphy in the Laser Radial are enjoying the kind of success they dared hoped for and leading their classes.
But for some the battle is still on. Paul Goodison is currently under pressure in the Laser fleet as he is lying 8th overall while his fellow countryman and last year’s Sail For Gold winner Nick Thompson is leading. Winning at this regatta means being going forward to the Olympic test event in August so there is plenty of pressure for the Olympic champion.
The standard of sailing this year throughout the fleets is very impressive, inspirational in fact, but there was one story in particular that caught our attention today. In the paralympic Skud class, UK sailor Keith Harris is severely disabled, totally paralysed, apart from movement in his tongue.
His interview with Dominic Fleming is truly inspirational, and a must listen.
Skandia Sail for Gold – Day 3 Review
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