Issue date
Winds were light for day two of the 2014 European Laser Standard and Laser Radial Championships being held in Split, Croatia and all fleets added just one race to their results before the diminishing sea breeze saw the second scheduled race cancelled.
Image: Andy Maloney in action © Thom Touw
Andy Maloney retains 5th overall in the Laser standard division at the same time maintaining his spot as the best placed of four kiwis in the 132-strong fleet. Maloney, who was 12th in today’s race, has a point-score of 19.
Mike Bullot has broken into the top ten after today’s race climbing from 18th up to lie 9th overall going into day three. He was 8th across the line today and holds 23 points - equal to the sailor in 8th position.
The regatta website describes the day at the venue; “If we said that yesterday was tough today it was even more difficult. One race for all fleets, [the] second was not possible because the wind was too unstable and fragile. Again the air temperature was very high, 32 degrees, so the Race Committee did not waste time, they made a quick call and send the fleet home around 1630.”
There is no change to Sam Meech’s overall standing after today; he stays in 21st after a 14th on the water on day two. Thomas Saunders, who was 25th in race three of the series, lies 45th overall.
Sharing the overall lead at this early stage are Britain’s Nick Thompson and Brazil’s Robert Scheidt both on 12 points.
In the Women’s Laser Radial fleet, including 92 boats, Sara Winther has improved a couple of places to 24th after a 19th from today and Susannah Pyatt is now in 80th.
Sara Winther reports; “We raced one race in a 4-7 knot sea breeze, but it started to fade before we could get another race in. I had a shocking start and was pretty deep, but did everything I could and managed to get back to 19th...not great, but possible the best race I have sailed so far.”
Racing continues in Split tomorrow and runs for another four days with the titles set to be decided and medals presented on Saturday 14th June.
2014 Laser and Laser Radial European Championships
New Zealand’s provisional standings after day two
Laser Standard (Men’s Olympic single-handed class) – 132 entries
5th Andy Maloney, NZL Sailing Team (3, 4, 12)
9th Mike Bullot (5, 10, 8)
21st Sam Meech, NZL Sailing Team (5, 12, 14)
45th Thomas Saunders, NZL Sailing Team (12, 15, 25)
Laser Radial (Women’s Olympic single-handed class) – 92 entries
24th Sara Winther (27, 6, 19)
80th Susannah Pyatt (46, 41, 23)
Links
Regatta website
Yachting New Zealand website
NZL Sailing Team sailor profiles
NZL Sailing Team on Facebook
About the NZL Sailing Team
The NZL Sailing Team includes New Zealand’s top Olympic campaigners who have made the top 20% in their most recent (respective) class World Championships or pinnacle event and have shown consistency of performance over the year including other significant Championships.
Yachting New Zealand’s High Performance Programme is focussed on winning medals at the Olympics in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
NZL Sailing Team sailors all started out at grass roots yacht clubs around the country and with commitment, dedication and drive have risen to be world class athletes; they work hard in the gym, train long hours on the water and are supported by great coaches.
For more information
Jodie Bakewell-White
Yachting New Zealand Communications Manager
Tel. 021 709 065
Email. jodie@yachtingnz.org.nz
