The Racing moods returned after 2 days of unsuitable conditions, this time at the beautiful location of Blue Bay Beach, Pointe d’Esny. The Mauritian Fabrice Leclezio leads the event overall rankings after the 4 full-fleet giant slalom races today.

A crystal clear blue lagoon with howling winds up to 25 knots took care of perfect slalom racing conditions. Competitors were ready to take on the giant slalom course after 2 days of recovery, hanging out and some sight seeing across the island. [more]The first race started shortly after the skippers meeting was held, due to a small window for the highest tides. A Full fleet start was set up with the Rabbit start system  where “a boat would cross from the leeward mark towards the upwind mark – acting as a start line in motion, while competitors prepare for a reaching start, to eventually start behind the wake of the boat towards the first mark.”
The first 2 races were dominated by Fabrice Leclezio from Mauritius, even if he had pressure from his long time rival Julien Maurel who certainly gave all he got, but it was Fabrice with the smartest moves at the last jibe.
The fourth Race was dominated by Bertrand Lablache from the island of Seychelles with a perfect start together with Ex French RS:X Competitor Julien Bontemps and it was Bertrand with a massive boost of speed towards the first mark who led the fleet race all the way throughout the rest of the course.
The last Race of the day was won by another strong sailor from the Seychelles “Kevin Grosjean” who appeared out of nowhere with great speeds – or was it luck – as he flew by his friend Bertrand who came in second. On third position was “”the strong wind lover” local Julien Maurel who has been pushing and keeping his game consistent by always being among the first 3 positions.
Top 5 Results after 1 Elimination + 4 Full Fleet Races:
1. FABRICE LECLEZIO | MRI
2. BERTRAND LABLACHE | SEY
3. JULIEN MAUREL | MRI
4. KEVIN GROSJEAN | FRA
5. JULIEN BONTEMPS | FRA
For the late afternoon a traditional Mauritian dish “ROTI” (FARATA) was served along with sponsored beverages, the vibes were great after 4 back to back races and even a massage service was offered by a local company. The wind kept blowing but the tide was dropping, the timing was perfect and the day was stunning, day 4 could not have been any better then this.
Tomorrows skippers meeting is scheduled at 11:00, the races shall continue at the Youth Center – Anse La Rai, in the bay in front of the Zilwa Attitude Hotel on the Final competition day.

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