Day 2 Race 6 of the Qualifying Round – Highlights

In this third race of the day, conditions changed slightly with the wind picking up and the current intensifying. Fatigue was apparent in these fierce athletes and some of the younger sailors’ endurance became a real advantage. Especially considering this final course had an extra upwind leg and was the 6th race in 2 days, no less. Physique was important in this race, and Luke Patience’s light weight made for slower manoeuvres around the marks, contributing to his last place this round.

The Swedes started behind everyone else off the start but Loof showed why he’s a gold medallist as he zeroed in on the top 5 after the second leg. Grael and Almeida on the other had a great start, finishing in 9th place.

The Brazilians were very present in this final race of the day and 3 of the 4 teams challenged the top 5 all race long. Like in yesterday’s third race, juniors Zarif and Boening challenged the lead early on, this time securing the 3rd place between Mendelblatt/Fathi and Scheidt/Prada after a lengthy fight.

After a smashing start, Polgar and Koy took the lead at the second buoy, pumping their Star in first place and maintaining a steady lead until the end. Adrenaline was high for the five leaders of the pack, surely helping them pull away in the final legs of the race. Szabo and Natucci followed at 6th with their best performance yet.

After 6 races, the final tally is now:

  1. Mendelblatt/Fatih [USA] – 8 pts
  2. Scheidt/Prada [BRA] – 18 pts
  3. Polgar/Koy [GER] – 21 pts
  4. Loof/Ekström [SWE] – 22 pts
  5. Rohart/Ponsot [FRA] – 29 pts

 

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