Early Leads at Lightning Championships

Salinas, Ecuador (November 18, 2017) – Javier Conte and Jeff Linton proved to be consistent, conservative, and fast to take early leads in the 2017 Lightning South American and Masters World Championships, respectively.

After an antsy fleet compelled a general recall in the first attempt at a start in race 1, all other starts went smoothly, and Salinas’ famous ocean conditions shined as a platform for top tier racing. Conte and his Argentine team sailed to a 1,1 against a tight South Americans fleet, while Linton scored a 1,2 in the Masters.

Conte found success starting at the pin and using his top rate boat speed to extend to the left and cross the fleet. Julio Velez of Ecuador follows Conte closely after scoring a 2,2 to keep the South American title up for grabs.

Eight nations are accounted for in the top 9 teams in the South Americans, and the top American team is sitting in sixth, composed of a young group of Washington, DC college sailing figures: George Washington coach Billy Martin, Georgetown coach Janel Zarkowsky, and Georgetown standout crew Isabelle Ruiz de la Luziaraga.

In the Masters, Brazilian Claudio Biecarck and his experienced team trail Linton by only 5 points, tied with American Mark Sertl.

Racing for the 2017 Lightning South American and Masters World Championships continues through Monday, November 20, 2017.

Details: South Americans – Masters – Worlds

Source: Doug Wake