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Olympic Games 1996
Practice Race ReportThe competitors at the Olympic Yachting Regatta are putting in their final practice out on Wassaw Sound on the Atlantic Ocean. More than half the yachts in the Olympic fleet are on the water, competing in the unofficial practice races - for both officials and competitors. Races are being held for the Mistral, Laser, Europe, 470,Finn, Star, Soling and Tornado disciplines.With a light sea breeze of 6-8 knots blowing, the closeness of the practice racing is an indication of the competition to come between these elite athletes from around the globe. Because today's racing is only unofficial, some yachts are joining in half-way through the races. One impressive performance is from America's Cup skipper and Barcelona silver medalist, Rod DAVIS (NZL) in the Star boats. Davis, who now sails for New Zealand, won a gold medal when sailing for America in the Soling Class at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Today he was demonstrating his great skill as an upwind helmsman. Also sailing well in the Stars was the Irish boat, David BURROWS and Mark MANSFIELD, which was second placed at the windward mark to New Zealand, followed by Portugal, Italy and Spain.
On the 470 Course, men and women were sailing together, with both the USA teams sailing well at the end of the first windward leg. Also well placed were the French, Swedish and British crews. The British women, Bethan RAGGATT and Sue CARR narrowly avoided a collision with the Australian men's crew of Thomas KING and Owen MCMAHON. The Australians themselves had earlier tangled with the Russian mens crew right on the windward mark. Out at the Laser course, more than 20 Lasers, just under half the total entry, were sailing. Leading was the British helm Ben AINSLIE, from Austria, Brazil and Australia. AINSLIE, at only 19 years old, makes British Olympic yachting history by being the youngest Olympic yachtsman ever to compete for the British team. Also well placed were the Swedish, Norwegian, American and Italian boats.
IYRU Olympic Update |