Better Conditions at Laser Europeans

Las Palmas, Spain (February 29, 2016) – After strong winds yesterday postponed the start to the Laser Europeans, today’s weather allowed for three races to be completed in all fleets.

For the 261 sailors representing 47 countries, the first two races went fairly quickly and without any incidents at the start. Conditions were 18-20 knots and less waves than what was seen yesterday.

However, at the beginning of the third race, showers caused great changes in both direction and intensity with gusts of wind of over 50 knots and direction changes of up to 40 degrees. After the wind stabilized, the race committee decided to start an extra race and recover one of the races from Sunday.

Cypriote sailor Pavlos Kjontides -Silver Medalist in London 2012- is second in Laser Standard after finishing 1st, 3rd and 2nd. Kristian Ruth (Norway) is third currently with a 2nd, 5th and 3rd.

The Laser Radial female competition is very tight, the two leaders in their own groups are tied, as well as the girls in the third position (with a 2nd and two 4ths), Finish Tuula Tenkanen and Chinese Xu Lijia -Gold medalist in London 2012.

The qualifying races will continue tomorrow for both Laser Standard as well as Laser Radial female. Forecast seems to still give sailors strong winds, although it’s expected to ease throughout the day.

Nick Thompson (GBR) leads the 124-boat Laser fleet with Charlie Buckingham (USA) in 13th.

Marit Bouwmeester (NED) and Josefin Olsson (SWE) lead the 96-boat Laser Radial Women’s fleet with Paige Railey (USA) in 11th.

Marcin Rudawski (POL) leads the 41-boat Laser Radial Men’s fleet with Henry Marshall (USA) in second.

Racing is scheduled from February 28 to March 4. Event details