News
Aussies not swayed by testing conditions on Day 1 in Hyeres
Published Tue 30 Apr 2019
The Aussie Laser Standard sailors have started with strong performances on the first day of racing at the 51st French Olympic Sailing Week in Hyeres, France.
Majority of the athletes have been sailing in Hyeres for years now and this was proven as they quickly adapted to the classic French Riviera conditions of strong sun and testing breeze.
Kiwi gun Sam Meech leads the Laser field, however four Australians are hot on his tail as they round out the top 5 positions of the leaderboard.
Tom Burton who sits in 2nd is pleased with his overall day. “To walk away without a big score is a good day.”
"I probably gave away one point - I was second in the second race and finished third, but it could have been much worst. The second race was so light, you could go forwards a lot and you could also go backwards a lot real quick, especially that first downwind was just too stressful," he ended.
Matt Wearn finished the day in 3rd position and despite struggling in the first race, he recovered well in the 2nd and posted a one.
“My first race was a little disappointing in some areas but I was happy to figure it out for the second race. I think this is my seventh time here and there are always good sailing conditions and great racing.
“As always the level of competition is really high and I am looking forward to remainder of the regatta,” he added.
Zoe Thomson has shown consistent racing in Laser Radial posting 19th twice and finishing 17th overall.
Racing at the French Olympic week in Hyeres continues Tuesday through to Friday and closes on Saturday 4 May local time with the final Medal Races.
About SOF: After 7 years as part of Sailing World Cup series, the event is back this year as "SOF", French Olympic week. Every year, the Semaine Olympique Française welcomes around 800 competitors from 60 different countries. The racing will happen across the same 10 classes that were selected for Tokyo Olympic Games.
Event website: sof.ffvoile.fr/
Full results list HERE
LASER:
2nd Tom Burton 4, 3
3rd Matt Wearn 7, 1
4th Finn Alexander 6, 4
5th Luke Elliot 3, 8
51st Mitch Kennedy BFD, 16
LASER RADIAL:
17th Zoe Thompson 19, 19
22nd Mara Stransky 37, 12
45th Elyse Ainsworth 34, 46
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