Britain Wins Laser Radial Woman’s Worlds
Published on April 20th, 2016
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico (April 20, 2016) – Alison Young (GBR), who entered today in third overall, posted a 5-1 to win the Laser Radial Woman’s World Championship. Paige Railey (USA), who held a four point lead over Young going into the final race, finished second by one point with Anne-Marie Rindom (DEN) seven points further back in third.
The Gold fleet had a clean start in the first race (Race F12) at 1340h in 8-10 knots of a SSW breeze. Most of the fleet tacked to port early in the first leg, looking for the right shift that has been the afternoon pattern, although it didn’t materialize that first leg.
Gintare Scheidt (LTU) claimed the first mark and held the lead for the race. The wind built, and race committee extended the length of the second upwind leg on the outside of the trapezoid course. Young and Railey fought it out for a top-five finish, with Young taking it, but Railey still leading in total points.
The wind shifted right for the second race (Race F13) and built to 12-14 knots, but with patches that dropped below 10 knots. After a general recall, the second start was clean. Young claimed the lead early on and held it to the end. Railey needed a fourth or better to win the championship, but fell two places short. Still, she had a very consistent regatta, and is poised to do well at the Olympics in Rio this summer.
Two-time World Champion Marit Bouwmeester (NED), who entered the day in position to win, posted a 19-3 to drop her to fourth place.
In the Silver Fleet, Silvia Zennaro (ITA) sailed a strong Finals Series, with four top-three finishes, to win over Agata Barwinski (POL), followed by Annalise Murphy (IRL).
Final Standings – Gold Fleet
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