High Octane One Designs

Seventh on the ISAF Sailing World Cup standings, Rafal Szukiel from Poland is leading the strong 63 Finn fleet after one race sailed under difficult conditions in Kiel, Germany.

The sixth event in the ISAF Sailing World Cup has started Saturday in Kiel with difficult racing conditions which only provided for one race in the Finn and Star classes sharing the Delta area.

A big squall disturbed the start of racing forcing the Finn sailors to wait while the Stars had three attempts to start. When the Finn’s starting procedure was finally given it was under black flag to avoid further delay, sending home Beijing Olympic Silver medallist Zach Railey (USA) and young German Anian Schreiber.

Indian sailor Nachaatar Johal explains the race:  “The pin end was favoured at the start. Dan Slater (NZL) was leading at the top mark. In the last beat, the wind swung to the right side by

30 to 40 degrees and there was lot of up down in the finishing positions.”

The rain was back after the first race and then the wind died down forcing the race committee to send everyone home!

While Szukiel made the most of the day, Sailing World Cup leader, Ed Wright (GBR) had a bad start in the regatta with a 19th place.

The first Junior across the line is 19 years old Caleb Paine from the United States in 14th position. Caleb Paine is part of a youth development programme set up by the US Finn Foundation.
There are 18 juniors (21 and under in the Finn class) engaged in Kiel week and preparing for the Junior Finn World Championship (Joerg Bruder Silver Cup) starting at the end of July at Balatonfured, Hungary.