Shorter races close to the shore, with the finish line just off the beach was the order of the day.[more]
Three races were completed for all fleets, in winds occasionally gusting to 20 knots. A fast “reaching” start was set by the race committee, which delighted both the competitors and the spectators.
It was a good day for Bryony Shaw, an Olympic bronze medalist from the UK, who won all her races today and moved to the top of the women’s ranking. Yesterday’s leader Hei Man Chan is just one point behind. These two are challenging Spain’s Marina Alabau, Olympic gold medalist London 2012, now 6 points adrift.
Two firsts and a second place keep Geylord Coveta from the Philippines in pole position on the mens overall ranking. He has a commanding lead over Chang Hao from Taiwan, winner of the last race of the day, who is seven points behind. Japan’s Kiichiro Hirata currently occupies the bronze position.
Over in the Espoir (under 22) division for men the racing is very close – with 3 different race winners. Philippino Harold Madrigal took the bullet in the first race of the day. Chung Ting Lee from Hong Kong retains the overall lead, but only two points ahead of fellow countryman Lok Yiu To. Takahiro Komori from Japan holds onto his third place but now has a considerable gap to close.
Full results after 5 / Photo gallery day two
Racing gets under way at the Boracay RS:One World Championships ….
Two races were completed on the opening day of racing at the 2012 Boracay RS:One World Championships.[more]
In mixed and offshore conditions the Race Officer, Jerry Rollin, set a windward/leeward course – with the first two races scheduled to be run “back to back”.
The Men’s and Women’s divisions were dominated, respectively, by Geylord Coveta (Philippines) and Hei Man Chan (Hong Kong) with two “bullets” (firsts!) each.
Over in the Men’s Espoir (under 22 years of age) division neither of the two race winners are leading – that honour is with Chun Ting Lee (Hong Kong) who proved that consistency can win titles.
Tomorrow’s racing is scheduled for an earlier start – with a stronger wind forecast it is planned to introduce the “pulsar” course – short races (10-15 minutes) with a reaching start, fast action and challenging conditions on the mark rounding!
The organisers of the 2012 RS:One World Championships welcomed competitors with a spectacular opening ceremony.
The occasion began with a parade from Boracay Beach Resort, led by the Ati-Atihan Tribal Group along the packed beach road to the event site.
The competitors were welcomed by Philippine Windsurfing Association President Manny Cabili and Boracay Windsurfing Association President Nenette Graf – joint organiser of the inaugural worlds for the class. The ceremony was closed by a hot display from Rachel Lobangco, Fire Dancing Queen of the Philippines.
Earlier in the day competitors completed registration and made final preparations to their equipment -provided free of charge by Neil Pryde.
Forty seven racers from 14 countries, representing 2 continents, will begin racing tomorrow off the beautiful white sand beach in front of the host hotel – the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa.
