Pan Am Games: Top sailors advance to Medal Races

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 17, 2015) – The field of medal race competitors was determined in each fleet on Friday (Day Six) at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. Advancing forward to the final race, with the qualifying schedule now completed, is the top 50% from each fleet, or the top five positions, whichever is greater.

On Saturday, July 18 will see medal races held in the Laser, Laser Radial, 49erFX, and RS:X Men’s and Women’s, while Sunday’s medal races will feature the J/24, Hobie 16, Lightning, Snipe and Sunfish.

The medal course area is tucked up against the Toronto waterfront in close viewing distance to the newly minted Sugar Beach with live commentary and media coverage.

In the Laser fleet, Canadian Lee Parkhill rounds out his strong opening series today with 4, 2 moving up to third place position. “I’m pleased with my sailing this week,” Parkhill explains. “This event has been my most consistent performance of the year. It’s all on the line tomorrow.”

In the Snipe, Americans Augie Diaz and Kathleen Tocke have guaranteed themselves a medal. “The game plan is no different tomorrow,” said Diaz. “We absolutely have to get a good start, and have good speed downwind. These races are won and lost downwind.” The veteran Snipe team will take home their second consecutive Pan Am Games medal after winning silver at the 2011 Games.

SUMMARY REPORT/RESULTS
Laser Men (12 races) – Two races today; both Canada and USA are within reach of silver or bronze.
Laser Radial Women (12 races) – Two races today; USA holds 10 point lead but can still fall off podium.
49er FX Women (16 races) – Four races today; USA secured Bronze but within reach of Silver.
RS:X Men (13 races) – Three races today; Mexico secured either Silver or Bronze.
RS:X Women (13 races) – Three races today; Mexico secured either Gold or Silver with USA in position for Bronze.
Snipe Open (12 races) – Two races today; Puerto Rico secured Gold while USA  guaranteed either Silver or Bronze.
Hobie 16 Open (12 races) – One race today; Guatemala leads but USA, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico within medal reach.
Lightning Mixed (12 races) – Two races today; Argentina secured Gold with USA  in second but can still fall off podium.
Sunfish Open (12 races) – Two races today; Canada leads but can still fall off podium.
J/24 Open (12 races) – Two races today; Argentina secured Gold with Canada guaranteed Silver or Bronze.

Schedule: Qualifying on July 12-17 had planned 12 races for the Laser, Laser Radial, Snipe, Hobie 16, Lightning, Sunfish, and J/24, and 16 races for the 49erFX, RS:X Men, and RS:X Women. After the qualifying races, the top 50% from each fleet, or the top five positions, whichever is greater, advance to the Medal Race on July 18-19 which counts double and is non-discardable.

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