Race Day 4 - SKUD Report
Written by RYA | 04 September 2012
SKUDs Won't Give Up On Gold
Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell admitted it had been a “tough” day but that there was still everything to play as they ended day four of the London 2012 Paralympic Sailing Regatta sitting in bronze medal position at Weymouth and Portland (Tuesday 4 September).
After light and veering breezes caused an initial delay to the start of racing today, the SKUD two-person keelboat then had their first race of the day abandoned twice with Rickham (Epsom) and Birrell (Knutsford) sitting in promising positions.
When racing did get underway in earnest the Brits picked up fourth and second place scorings, which, coupled with the results of their Australian and American rivals saw the Aussies extend their overall lead to four points with Britain tied on the same points as the United States but third on account of their number of race wins.
But with three races still to come, the destination of the medals is far from a foregone conclusion.
Rickham said: “It was a tough day because we lost quite a lot of points on the leaders and we have been moved down into the third overall. But it is still all to play for. All in all we are feeling quite good and we will just see how it goes.
“I’m disappointed with the four as like I have said all week we are trying to maintain top threes because that’s the best way to try and keep in the mix
“We are deep in it with three races still to go so there is still a bit to play for and we are just going to hopefully make something happen and if not we will just be happy with whatever we come away with.”
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.
The London 2012 Paralympic Sailing Regatta runs from Saturday 1st September to Thursday 6th September.
Two races per day are scheduled for each class from 1st to 5th September, with one race for each class on the final day (6th September). Racing is scheduled to start at 11am daily.
Follow the British Sailing Team at London 2012 at www.rya.org.uk/london2012
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