Qualifying series near complete 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 has attracted 20 countries to compete in 10 sailing events on Lake Ontario.

(July 16, 2015) – The conditions finally delivered an epic easterly breeze for the Pan American Games, ranging from 6-10 knots to allow for a full slate of races on the fifth day of competition.

Canadian Sunfish sailor Luke Ramsay dominated today to take back the overall lead. “Racing was fun and competitive with a little more breeze. My strategy was to stay close to the guys at the top of the leaderboard and not try and outsmart anyone. The races I’m winning are by only one boat length by design.”

A jury decision reinstating a race from day three  has impacted the overall rankings for the six teams, with Americans Paris Henken and Helena Scutt now in third overall. “Every single point counts at this event, and so you need to stay in touch with your competitors,” said Scutt. “Today we were happy to have some more breeze. We were able to figure out the conditions, and are continually improving our small-fleet tactics.”

Tomorrow will be the final day of regular competition before medal racing takes place on Saturday and Sunday in front of fans and spectators on the city harbor front.

SUMMARY REPORT/RESULTS
Laser Men (10 races) – USA won the day with a 1-2-2 to move up to second, trailing  Guatemala.
Laser Radial Women (10 races) -Three steady finishes for USA to maintain lead.
49er FX Women (12 races) – Scores not official at press time.
RS:X Men (10 races) – Mexico was second best today in the three races to maintain second overall.
RS:X Women (10 races) – Pecking order forming after three races with Mexico second and USA third.
Snipe Open (10 races) – Puerto Rico pulling away after 1-1-4 today with USA in third.
Hobie 16 Open (11 races) – Guatemala owned day with 1-1-1 with USA second and Puerto Rico third.
Lightning Mixed (10 races) – USA won the day with a 2-2-2 to trail only Argentina.
Sunfish Open (10 races) – Canada topped fleet with 3-1-1 to now lead.
J/24 Open (10 races) – Argentina continues to dominate with 1-4-1 with Canada holding second.

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