Canadian fleets off to a strong start in week two!
The 'Doctor' took a break for today as the day began overcast with an offshore breeze. After a gentle start to the day the breeze slowly built topping out in the low twenties. Race one across the majority of courses was in a building breeze, starting in and about 10 knots and finishing up in the mid-teens. Race two was mid-teens to the low twenties depending on the course area you found yourself on. The off-shore breeze is the talk of the boat yard as most have become expectant of the doctors arrival, and presenting a new option early in the racing for everyone. There were big scores put up by numerous players across a number of the fleets, creating some interesting early dramas.
The Canadian contingent kicked off their qualifying series in the Laser, RSX Men, 470 Women and 49er while the Star fleet completed races 3 and 4 of their series. Canadian's put up some great scores in the early going, with Chris Dold (Toronto, ON) in the Laser scoring a third in race two, and Dave Wright (Toronto) putting in a 16-9 on the day. RSX sailors Zac Plavsic (Van, BC) and David Hayes (Toronto) each started their event off well with Zac scoring a 4-9 and David a 9-12, to sit 11th and 20th respectively. Check out this awesome heli footage of Zac and training partner Dorian VanRijsselberghe (NED). RSX Video.
Top Canadian Star team Clarke/Bjorn (BC, QC) had a challenging day in trying conditions on Leighton course, putting up a 10-18 to sit 10th overall. Close on their heels in the first race today were Canadians Stuart Hebb and Mike Wolfs (Toronto) placing 14th. Wolfs is the Silver Medalist from the Athens Olympics, sailing with Ross MacDonald. They currently sit in 27th.
Gordon Cook (Toronto) and Hunter Lowden (Vancouver) led the 49er Canadian contingent in 30th overall. Despite their difficulties on the water today, their coach Jason Rhodes feels that their boat speed is the fastest of the fleet and that they have great potential for a top 15 overall finish here in Perth. 470 W team, Archibald/Dexter (Halifax, NS) currently in 40th position after two races.
Full results can be found www.perth2011.com.
The un-Fremantle like conditions appear to continue for another day before conditions return to more typical for the second half of the week.
