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After a break from the Finn circuit since the Olympic Games in Athens (at the exception of an appearance at the ISAF Grade 1 Holland Regatta which he won with a race to spare), Ben is sailing at a level that forces admiration from all the sailors in the fleet. With consistency, speed and smart sailing, Ben AINSLIE is mastering the extremely difficult conditions in Kalmar.

Yesterday was not any easier than the previous days, the wind was slow to come and never settled down on the course, always shifty and patchy. It demanded quick reactions from the sailors to follow the wind pattern and play with the pressure created by the stormy clouds.

Emilios PAPATHANASIOU (GRE) took second place in the first race, 200 meters behind Ben AINSLIE and ahead of Rafal SZUKIEL from Poland. The second race saw again AINSLIE distancing his followers with Dan SLATER (NZL) taking second place in the race and in the championship after discarding a 35th position. Third place went to Michael MAIER (CZE), the first top ten placing for the Czech who has had a difficult start into the championship

With the discard kicking in, Dan SLATER (NZL) moves up to second overall as he can now discard his 35 from race two. Just two point behind him in third is Marin MISURA from Croatia who has sailed a consistent series with just one finish outside the top seven. Fourth and fifth overall are PAPATHANASIOU and 2004 Olympic silver medallist Rafa TRUJILLO (ESP) who are tied on 22 points

Ivan KLJAKOVIC GASPIC is conserving the lead in the Junior scoreboard in twelfth position. However, Zach RAILEY (USA) is improving in the placing in 19th position overall after scoring a seventh in the first race of the day and 13 in the second race. Tapio NIRKKO from Finland has reclaimed the third position in the Juniors.

After seven hours on the water yesterday, the Finn sailors will enjoy a single race tomorrow (Friday).

Top Ten After Five Races