A sea-breeze second day
After a postponement ashore for two hours both fleets for the Laser Standard Worlds and the Laser Worlds have been sent afloat.
The delay has been caused by the sea-breeze not being sufficiently well established, but as the sailors set off from the beach there was a gentle 5-6 knots arriving from the Solent setting a perfect summer picture postcard scene with puffy clouds, blue skies and a dazzling sparkle on the water.
The forecast does not promise much for wind strength, but the first reports from the committee boats on the race area do indicate a sailable breeze, 145 degrees at 6 knots.
The schedule again is for two races for both championships race areas, with the Standards racing in three fleets. Maximum breeze forecast is around 10 knots, but it would not be unexpected to see a little more.
The consensus is that this should be more of consistent, typical sea breeze with less influence from any leftover gradient, but nevertheless it will still be quite shifty in terms of wind direction.
Master of the conditions yesterday proved to be New Zealand’s Michael Bullot who leads overall with a 1,2 from the first two races.
“It was a fantastic start to the regatta, better than expected.” Bullot said this morning, “ You always hope for a solid start on the first day but that was ideal, perfect to build on. I kept it pretty simple, I don’t think that I did anything super-special, rounded the top mark anything around 10-15 th, and was sailing pretty conservative upwind and then downwind I was pretty quick, so just being able to pick away through the race and found myself at the front.”
“My preparations have been good. I have had a good season backwards and forwards doing the Euros. Sail for Gold was good with a seventh, but this is the definitely the pinnacle event. Sail for Gold was good starter and then after that it’s just about making sure you are fit and have your head in the right place.”
“It looks light today but I don’t really mind what we get. I am pretty satisfied in all conditions now.”
31/8/2010 12:20
