The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

The first two races of the finals series at the Aussie Laser nationals were completed in 20-25 knot south easterly off Blairgowrie and Tom SLINGSBY (AUS) fired up to lead, whilst Jo ALEH (NZL) is the new leader in the Laser Radial women's fleet with one day of the Championship remaining.

The 298 boat fleet was divided into the gold and silver groups in the Laser and Laser Radial fleets whilst the Laser 4.7's continued to aggregate scores in their 12-race series.

In the Laser, SLINGSBY had a good day with a win and a third to be leading the regatta by four points from Rutger VAN SCHAARDENBURG (NED) on 23 points. In third place, and just one point behind is Nick THOMPSON (GBR).

Overnight leader, Michael LEIGH (CAN) has dropped back to fifth place behind Estonia's Deniss KARPAK after a disastrous day with eighth and 33rd results. KARPAK, on the other hand, lifted after winning the second race.

In the Laser Radial fleet, Sarah BLANCK, Australia's women's one person dinghy Olympic representative, found the challenging weather conditions of day five not to her liking. Leading the large internationally competitive fleet coming into today's races, she has dropped to third place, ten points behind new leader ALEH on 24 points and Veronika FENCLOVA (CZE) on 28 points.

Heading into the final day, with a forecast for lighter winds, both the Standard and Radial results are sure to go right to the wire.

Rohan LANGFORD from Tasmania continues to dominate the all-Aussie 4.7 class with 3,2 results today. He leads Jarrard LINCOLN (Victoria) by 21 points, with Stephen COLLINGS a further 16 points back, after another hard day in heavy winds.

The regatta concludes tomorrow and results are available at www.viclaser.yachting.org.au and www.sailmelbourne.com.au.