Rollercoaster ride as Laser Worlds reaches finals stage
Written by RYA | 20 November 2013
Final push for Laser sailor Nick Thompson in Oman
Nick Thompson faces a finals series battle if he’s to challenge for the podium at the Laser World Championships which are currently underway at the Al-Mussanah Sports City in Oman.
The three-time World Championship medallist had a dream start to his regatta, posting a first day race win and a second to kick off his title challenge at the Middle Eastern venue, which has seen unexpectedly strong conditions of 14-16 knots.
But two disqualifications from subsequent races – one for a premature start and another for a mark rounding infringement – have left Thompson in 22nd place after eight races and with no further room for error if he’s to pose a threat to the podium spots come Saturday’s final day (23 November).
There are six more races still scheduled – two per day – with a second discard due to take effect after ten races have been staged, so Thompson will be hoping for more of the top five scores he’s posted in five of his eight races so far.
“It’s been a frustrating week – I’ve been sailing pretty well in the majority of races but obviously those disqualifications have hurt pretty badly,” the 27-year-old admitted.
“There are still three days of racing to go though, so plenty of work to be done and places to be gained and lost within the fleet.
“Hopefully I’ll put in some decent scores over the next few days and my second discard will make a big difference.”
Brazil’s eight-time Laser World Champion Robert Scheidt, who’s returned to the class after two Olympic cycles in the Star, currently tops the regatta standings, with Cypriot Olympic silver medallist Pavlos Kontides in second.
The British Sailing Team’s Podium Potential sailors Martin Evans and Alex Mills Barton are in 24th and 27th respectively after eight races, while all bar one of the eight British competitors has made it into the gold fleet (top 63 boats) for the start of finals series racing on Thursday.
You can read more on Nick Thompson’s regatta thoughts and aspirations in his pre-Worlds blog.
For further event information, visit http://omanlaserworlds2013.com. Racing concludes on Saturday 23 November.