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9 February 2006, 09:37 am

Two Bullets For BLASSE

TOSHIBA OK Dinghy Australian And Interdominion Championships 2006

Lake Macquarie, Australia

Roger BLASSE (AUS) took the lead of the TOSHIBA 2006 OK Dinghy Australian and Interdominion Championships with two emphatic race wins in what can only be described as perfect sailing conditions on Lake Macquarie, Australia.

The wind had moved round to the south east and gradually increased throughout the day from twelve knots at the start of race one to a gusty 20 by the end of race two. The sailors were treated to some great Australian weather with wall to wall sunshine and temperatures into the 30s.

In race three Brett HOLLY (AUS) took in the left hand side of the course to find a nice shift to round the top mark in first place just ahead of Russell WOOD (NZL), who came from the right, and BLASSE. BLASSE went high on the first reach and took the lead, which he never let go. WOOD held onto second place until the final beat when fourth placed Nick CRAIG (GBR) pulled through both him and Alistair DEAVES (NZL) in the strengthening breeze.

For race four the breeze had increased to 20 knots, providing for some spectacular sailing and fast reaches. Jorgen LINDHARDTSEN (DEN) was the early leader followed by Peter HORNE (AUS) and BLASSE. Horne led for two rounds before being overhauled by BLASSE to take his second win of the day. Andre BLASSE (AUS) also overtook HORNE to finish second with HORNE holding onto third.

After four races and one drop, BLASSE has a narrow lead over CRAIG, with the rest of the fleet some way behind. The conditions for day three look the same as day two with a strengthening sea breeze and high temperatures. There are three more races (two Thursday and one Friday) to decide the Championship.

Racing at the OK Dinghy World Championship begins on Lake Macquarie this Monday 13 February.

Robert DEAVES (As Amended By ISAF). Image, 2005 World Champion Nick CRAIG got off to a strong start:© Per HEEGAARD/heegaardfotografi.dk

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