Paralympic Sailing Race Day 5 - Preview
Written by RYA | 05 September 2012
We’ve got an early start for the Sonars today as they only completed one race yesterday after light, swinging breeze made things very tricky at Weymouth and Portland.
The plan is to get three races done for the three-person keelboats today, and with the forecast for a bit more wind in Portland Harbour - strong NE touching 20 knots expected to decrease throughout the day – we should be good.
Helena Lucas extended her lead at the top of the 2.4mR class to 11 points yesterday and a good day on the water today could guarantee her a definite medal with a day to spare….
Meanwhile, Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell are looking to overturn a four-point deficit at the top of the SKUD leaderboard with three races to come. Even a reduction of the Aussies lead - while preventing the Americans, currently in silver medal spot, from taking advantage of their attempts to rein in the Australians – would be considered a good day for the Brits with the winner-takes-all decider tomorrow.
The first Paralympic sailing event took place as demonstration sport at Atlanta 1996 in the Sonar boat (plus reserve). The British crew of Andy Cassell, Kevin Curtis and Tony Downs won gold. But a Paralympic medal has eluded Britain since sailing joined the full Paralympic Games programme at Sydney 2000.
All the racing for this event takes place in Portland Harbour. Two races per day are scheduled for each class from 1 to 5 September, with one race for each class on the final day (6 September).
*all times below are scheduled start times
Class: 2.4 Metre (one-person keelboat)
Sailor: Helena Lucas
Race 9: 11.10am
Race 10: ASAP after R9
Current standing: Helena sits in gold medal position 11 points clear of silver
Class: SKUD (two-person keelboat)
Sailor: Alexandra Rickham / Niki Birrell
Race 9: 11am
Race 10: ASAP after R9
Current standing: Alex and Niki sit in bronze medal position 4 points behind AUS
Class: Sonar (three-person keelboat)
Sailor: John Robertson/Hannah Stodel/Steve Thomas
Race 8: 10am
Race 9: ASAP after R8
Race 10: ASAP after R9
Current standing: The Sonars sit in sixth, four points off a medal position
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