Day 1 Onsite Qualifying -Testing conditions on the first day of the onsite qualifier. More wave than wind made surf launching a challenge today as boats left shore. Winds were more moderated today 8-10 knots but with large waves leftover from yesterday’s stronger conditions. Getting everyone out through the surf was a carefully orchestrated process. Once on the racecourse, the lighter breezes required careful technique to keep the boat moving upwind. Downwind sailors would try to surf the waves to catch every advantage. Four races were completed today over two sessions with sailors coming to shore to swap boats between sessions.
Seventy-seven teams are competing to qualify for entry into the semi-final round of the open world championships. Fifty teams have prequalified from their home countries and this qualifying round will select the remainder of the semi-final field.
At the end of day one, Gavin Luxton and Carmen Andrews (AUS) are in the lead, followed by Nicklas Heide-Joergensen and Emilie Strom Jacobsesn (DEN) and Alberto Sonino and Virginia Jacquemod (ITA) respectively.
The qualfying series continues through September 24.
