The Nothe Course put on quite a show today in Weymouth, UK. Over ten thousand people gathered on the hill for some fantastic racing on yet another gorgeous day along the Jurassic Coast. After the Olympic Laser class got the crowd warmed up, the 49er fleet kept the entertainment up with three races. It really was an amazing experience to be a part of.

The race organizers made a slight change to the course in an effort to keep the crowd entertained. The plan for the day was 3 races, each with four laps! Anyone who has sailed a 49er knows that four laps, for three races is a massive task for the crew. When I got that news, I hoped Trevor had eaten a big breakfast.

Erik and Trevor put yesterday’s difficulties behind them quickly and lead at the first mark of the day. Their training partners from Finland battled with them as the two boats extended on the fleet. Their Scandinavian friends capitalized on one shift and eventually passed the Americans. The day on a whole showed the USA 49er team in much better form, as they posted a 2, 17, 5, and have moved back into the top ten.

A well-deserved day off comes tomorrow before the final push for the event. On Sunday, the 49er fleet moves offshore for the only time of the regatta, onto the Weymouth Bay West Course. Conditions out there should be less shifty and more chop and waves. Boatspeed should be critical out on that course. Monday will bring them back to the exciting Nothe Course for the final two races of the regatta prior to the Medal Race. With potentially five races left, the boys are taking things one race at a time and remain psyched. We’ll all have to stay tuned to see how it finishes up.

Settling into things in Portland, UK,

John Storck III

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Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 August 2012 )