Light Air Theme at Pan Am Games

The Pan American Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games, only surpassed in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. First held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1951, this is the third time that Canada has been the host. The 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto on July 12-19 includes 10 sailing events on Lake Ontario.

(July 14, 2015) – The light air theme continues for day three, and while the RS:X fleets weren’t able to complete any races today, all other fleets finished at least one race. With 20 countries competing, Argentina and Brazil each lead three events, with USA now on top of the Laser and Laser Radial fleets.

Charlie Buckingham (USA) has excelled in light and shifty conditions for much of his career, winning today’s only Laser race. “I didn’t have a great start, but recovered quickly by being conservative and fast up the first beat,” said Buckingham. “I was helped out a bit when two of my closest competitors were flagged by the judges and had to spin. The other key to the race was my downwind speed, which was solid and helped me solidify a lead on the final run to the finish.”

The light tricky conditions continue to plague a few Canadian teams including 49erFX team Erin Rafuse/Dannie Boyd that are trailing the field. “We are looking to hit the reboot button tomorrow with more breeze and a new slate of races,” Rafuse said.

Heavier wind is forecast for tomorrow.

SUMMARY REPORT/RESULTS
Laser Men (4 races) – USA and Canada are top two, with USA now leading after winning today’s only race.
Laser Radial Women (4 races) – By winning the only race today, USA now leads the field.
49er FX Women (6 races)* – US Virgin Islands won both races, but all teams were disqualified from the second race. USA now is in second, just ahead of the current world champions.
RS:X Men (4 races) – No racing today; Canada and Mexico are tied for second.
RS:X Women (4 races) – No racing today; Brazil and Mexico have finished all races either first or second.
Snipe Open (5 races)* – Two races today won by Puerto Rico and USA,  where they now sit second and third.
Hobie 16 Open (5 races) – Three races today sees USA slip to second and Mexico down to fourth.
Lightning Mixed (5 races)* – By posting a 7-4, USA falls from the lead to third place.
Sunfish Open (4 races) – Canada now shares the lead with Chile with USA trailing by five points.
J/24 Open (5 races)* – Argentina won both races to now lead, with Canada and Mexico in second and fourth respectively.
* Updated with new information.

The qualifying schedule on July 12-17 has 12 races for the Laser, Laser Radial, Snipe, Hobie 16, Lightning, Sunfish, and J/24, with 16 races for the 49erFX, RS:X Men, and RS:X Women. The Medal Races are on July 18 and 19.

Event website – Sailing schedule and results – Entry list by country
Canada team update – USA team update