Roble takes early lead at U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship

Oyster Bay, NY (July 11, 2014) – Racing commenced Friday morning for the teams competing at the U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship, hosted by Oakcliff Sailing. Eight teams of six are racing in the Match 40 through Sunday for the right hold the Allegra Knapp Mertz Trophy.

Wind speeds ranged from 5 to 8 knots for most of the day. By 3pm EDT, the wind completely disappeared prior to the completion of Round Robin 1. Racing took place on West Oyster Bay Harbor. Teams raced under clear skies, flat seas, and a slight right wind shift for most of the day.

The plan for Saturday is to finish Round Robin 1 and complete another Round Robin stage to determine places 5-8. The top four teams advance to the Semifinal knock-out series.

As expected, Stephanie Roble’s (East Troy, Wis.) team is off to a terrific start. They are the only undefeated team through five races. Roble is the third ranked women’s match racer in the world and #1 in the U.S.

“It’s real quality competition out here this week,” said skipper Stephanie Roble. “It’s the strongest field since the 2012 championship. There have been a lot of lead changes and everyone is really competent with these large boats.”

Stage 1: Round Robin 1 (not complete)
1 – Roble: 5-0
2 – Breault: 4-1
3 – Hayes: 3-1
4 – Gill: 2-3
4 – Hearst: 2-3
6 – Gallo: 1-3
7 – Barbuto: 1-4
7 – Maxim: 1-4

Full Results and Standings: http://www.regattanetwork.com/event/8044#_newsroom
Event Details: http://www.ussailing.org/u-s-womens-match-racing-championship-day-1-report

Source: US Sailing media