It’s all on for NZs 49er sailors 15 April 04

It’s all on for NZs 49er sailors 15 April 04

It’s all on for New Zealand’s 49er pair – Beashel and Smyth

Day 1 of the 49er World Champs saw New Zealand’s Adam Beashel and Ed Smyth gain momentum throughout the day, ending the day on a high with a 4th place.

This is the all important regatta for the pair needing to qualify a place for New Zealand at the Olympic’s. They are currently within the qualifying range, placed 4th nation of the 5 nations yet to qualify. 7 points separates them from 5th nation – Portugal who are yet to qualify.

Beashel and Smyth sailed in the 49er for the first time together at the end of last year and earlier this year won the Australian National Champs.

Over 80 boats from almost thirty countries are competing at these Worlds which are being held at the same venue for the Olympic Games. Being one of the most exciting boats in existence, competition is fierce but likely to heat up further as this regatta progresses.

14 countries that have qualified are as follows:
2002 Worlds Denmark, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Ukraine
2003 Worlds Australia, Austria, Brazil, Germany, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, USA

Kendall remains in 3rd place at the Mistral World Championships Kendall continues to shine at the Mistral Worlds sailed in Turkey. After not racing yesterday due to extreme conditions, the women had to race today which was a scheduled reserve day. In gusty wind conditions, Kendall finished 15th in her race to place her 3rd overall. 8 points separates Kendall from second place. There is some concern over a nagging forearm injury that has recurred which caused her to drop back in the fleet. Tomorrow's lay day will be an important opportunity to rest and hopefully recover for Kendall.

Alessandra Sensini from Italy is sailing a consistent regatta and lies in 1st place, with only 6 points after 5 races.

There was no racing for men today as it was the reserve day. Placing’s are unchanged from yesterday in the men’s fleet, with New Zealand’s Olympic Representative Thomas Ashley leading the New Zealanders in 6th place and Jon Paul Tobin in 12th place. Racing in the men’s Mistrals resumes tomorrow.

Other New Zealand sailors at the event

Anna Eason (41th)

David Robertson (45th)
Matt McCormick (46th)
Fighting for the Olympic Qualification Spot – New Zealand Tornado sailors McIntosh and Kennedy A disappointing day on the water for Aaron McIntosh and Mark Kennedy saw them drop from 16th to 21st overall. Their current placing puts them just outside the qualifying range. With 4 spots still available for the Olympic’s, the duo are 6 points off Slovenia who currently hold the 4th spot.

62 boats from 24 countries are competing at the Tornado World Championship in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. With 6 races to go anything could happen and as a 3 times World Board Sailing Champion at the helm, Aaron knows what it takes to come back in a World Championship Regatta.

The 13 countries that have qualified are:
2002 Worlds – Argentina Australia Austria France Sweden
2003 Worlds – Spain Great Britain Germany Italy Netherlands Puerto Rico USA

Yachting New Zealand is the National body for competitive and recreational sailing in New Zealand. We represent the needs and interests of over 160 member clubs and class associations throughout New Zealand as we work toward our goal of ensuring Yachting remains a lifelong activity of choice for New Zealanders, and one of the leading international sports, on and off the water.

For more information on Yachting New Zealand visit our website: www.yachtingnz.org.nz where you can sign up for a range of free newsletters to keep you informed.

© Scoop Media