Day 3 2008 Fireball International Pre-Worlds –
The third day of sailing for the pre worlds was sailed in a beautiful 14-15 knots in the lovely warm waters of Pattaya. The tide was running against the wind in the first race, which caused 3 general recalls before the fleet got away on the black flag. Three boats were still over at the start including 2006 World Champions Erich and Ruedi Moser(SUI). Robin Inns/Joel Coultas(AUS) were first to the first mark just ahead of the regatta leaders David Wade/Ben McGrane(GBR), and these two stayed in this position until the end. Current World Champion, Richard Estaugh/ Rob Gardener(GBR) finally ventured out on to the race course and showed they are still competitve and finished third.
The second race was slightly less wind lighter and the tide had turned to hold the fleet back from the start. Finally the Czech Champion Tomas Musil/Jan Stantejsky in the brand new boat built by Xtreme Sailing Products broke clear on the first beat and was first to the first mark ahead of R.Inns/Coultas(AUS) and Nathan Stockley/Sam Muirhead(AUS). Stockley/Muirhead managed to get ahead of Inns/Coultas on the second beat to get a second.
Matt Mee/Richard Wagstaff(GBR) broke their mainsheet in the first race and were unable to finish, but climbed to 4th in the second race. The smaller Swiss crews Kurt Venhoda/Sonja Zaugg and Adrian Huber/Brigitte Mauchle didn’t have the power through the windier conditions and have dropped out of the top ten, leaving it to Team GBR, the lone Czech and the top Australians. The top Thai boat Sutee Poonpatt/Voravit Vorasaen also struggled in the stronger conditions and have slipped to 21st.
With one day (2 races) and 9 points separating the top 6, it is all to play for.
After the pre worlds there is a lay day with the World Championships starting in earnest on Sunday 16th March.
See all the details at:
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