Sailing Magazine
Roger Hudson reports
A quick hi from the 3 of us here in Qingdao, China where racing started today.
It’s famously tricky sailing here, very variable wind and really strong and complex tide – exactly what the 3 of us want to practice and improve on at this stage. And today was exactly as expected in terms of conditions, but a pretty good day for the SA sailors.
Stef Marcia did a great job with a 12th and 13th in the Lasers out of 36 to put him 9th overall at the end of Day 1.
In the 470’s, out of 17 boats, Asenathi Jim and myself had a 12th and a 2nd, placing us 7th overall at this early stage.
We’re primarily here to learn and improve, but there is a lot to play for at this event: besides ranking points and substantial prize money, Stef has an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup Finals in Abu Dhabi if he finishes first of those not yet qualified, which is where he is right now, but with a lot of very tough competition on his heels. It will be a massive achievement, and a massive upset, if he pulls this off and we are willing him on all the way to do it. We would absolutely love to see him nail it and join us in Abu Dhabi at the end of November.
More breeze is forecast for tomorrow and we’re all looking forward to a big physical day.
