Day 2 Race 5 of the Qualifying Round – Highlights

The fleet stayed very compact in this 2^nd race of the day, no one giving any leeway along an intense first leg and all through the race, making for some exciting turns every time the fleet met at the mark.

Negri and Lambertenghi swung in front at the first upwind turn, so crowded the Greeks Papathanasiou and Tsotras had to scamper to narrowly avoid a collision. Melleby and Strube had to do a penalty turn just as they were preparing for the first downwind, requiring some very quick adjustments but which saw them finish in 13^th place.

The first downwind saw a battle for first place between Negri/Lambertenghi and Rohart/Ponsot, each to their own side more than 100 metres across, yet only a tight 20 metres separating first and second positions.

After a poor start for Scheidt and Prada, they climbed steadily with each leg, making a striking return to the top 4 in the final leg and engaging a fierce battle with Rohart/Ponsot and Gaspic/Sitic. The Croatians had a great performance, staying in the top 5 all through the race and finished 4^th.

Letâ€™s not forget Junior and Pritchard, who started the final leg in 6^th position and managed to stay in the top 10, a remarkable performance for the newcomers.

Finally, Mendelblatt and Fatihâ€™s first place was indisputable and their speed unmatched in the final leg as their lead closed on 150 metres. This second win of the day puts them at the top of the ranks of the qualifying round.

LIVE picture from the water - Â© Gilles Martin-Raget

Day 2 Race 5 of the Qualifying Round – Highlights

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Sebastien Guidoux

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