Tensions Mount at Kona Worlds

Clearwater, FL (October 30, 2018) – Today was the 4th day of competition at the 2018 Heritage Insurance Kona Worlds. With both fleets (Gold and Silver) having completed 10 races in the championship so far, and only one day left on the schedule, the tension was palpable.

In the light (5-10 kt) morning side-off breeze, the tactical racers in the Gold fleet showed their chops and made a big move on the leaderboard. Conversely, some of the overall leaders made mistakes that might cost them dearly if the race committee can’t complete two more races tomorrow and trigger a second discard.

Local hotshot Noah Lyons had a disappointing day today and moved from 2nd to 4th overall, but he has the bit between his teeth and plans to come out swinging tomorrow.

His teammate Alex Temko has been sailing error-free all week and sits at the top of the leaderboard with a comfortable lead, but he’s focused on the job ahead! The Swedish contingent showed its talent in the light air today, and if tomorrow offers similar conditions, it’s going to get down to the wire!

The Silver fleet sailed in the afternoon, after the Gold fleet was done with its three races of the day, and all their waiting on the beach was rewarded with much more settled sea-breeze conditions in the 10-12 kt range.

Annapolis-based Michael Parramore won the first race of the day and 13-yr old Alex Lee (CAN) won the second, but the top-three at the top are unchanged and have built some breathing room for themselves.

Tonight is Halloween party time, and all the racers, officers, volunteers and sponsors will celebrate the Kona spirit with a dose of spooky. Many will don their Halloween costumes on the race course tomorrow (there’s a grand prize for the best costume), but make no mistake: everyone will mean business.

The schedule is for racing from October 27 to 31.

Event details – Gold results – Silver results – Photos

Source: Jerome Samson