Olympic Worlds: Nearly Perfect Conditions

The 2016 World Championship for the Nacra 17, 49er, and 49erFX – the three fastest Olympic sailing events – is February 9-14 in Clearwater, FL. Over 120 teams from more than 37 countries will be competing in front of the Pier on Clearwater Beach. Here’s a report from February 12…

After the first two days provided less than stellar wintery weather, the event is now on a roll with the fourth day offering nearly perfect conditions out on the Gulf of Mexico.

The Nacra 17 fleet was sent out just before noon in a varying 8-12 knot breeze, and was back to the beach by 4:30pm. The fast and furious French team of Billy Besson and Marie Riou had a consistent performance throughout the four races that were held. Canadians Luke Ramsay and Nikola Girke, now in 15th overall, have taken over the top North American position.

The Skiff fleets completed their qualifying series which finds New Zealand teams topping the table in both men’s and women’s divisions. After three races today, Alex Maloney and Molly Meech have returned to the form that won them the 2013 49erFX World Championship while current World Champions Pete Burling and Blair Tuke rolled through four races to continue their domination of the 49er fleet today.

Darkhorse US 49er team Judge Ryan and Hans Henken continue to impress as the top North American in 16th overall. On the girls side, Americans Paris Henken and Helena Scutt crushed it with a 2-4-9 to move up to 9th overall and lead all North Americans. Additionally, their position has now confirmed that, pending US Olympic Committee review, they will represent the US at the 2016 Olympics.

Racing for all three fleets continue on the 13th and 14th with the top ten advancing to the Medal races on the 14th.

For the US teams, the Worlds is the final event of their selection series. Details here.

Event website – Scoreboard – 49er/49erFX report – Nacra 17 report – USA report