The 2007 Pegasus Airlines PWA World Cup, Alaçati – Day 4
Lighter winds than on previous days slowed progress and delayed the start of the two women’s races that were completed.
Women’s Race 12
It was a refreshing change to see Marta Hlavaty head the fleet off the start line of race 12. The Polish entrant showed an amazing turn of speed along the first reach above Karin Jaggi (F2 / North) and event leader Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou).
Ghibaudo on the winning course/photo PWA Carter
However, Ghibaudo and Jaggi’s lower, direct line paid off and allowed them to round the critical first gybe ahead of Hlavaty.
Ghibaudo extended her lead after solid gybing skills guaranteed her the victory ahead of Jaggi. Verena Fauster (F2 / Gaastra) pushed Hlavaty hard for third but the Polish Olympic class racer kept her head to finish-up third.
Women’s Race 13
Race 13 was unlucky for everyone except Ghibaudo. This event and Ghibaudo’s renewed hunger for victory in Fuerteventura has shocked everyone on the racing scene. Jaggi is no slouch and the super-competitive Swiss entrant has become a true victim to Ghibaudo’s severe speed and re-invigorated approach to racing.
An inch-perfect start at full speed on the fastest route to the mark assured the Frenchwomen of her 9th race win at this contest. It would be inaccurate to say that the event leader was anything other than untouchable over the entire course. Jaggi was certainly fast in second, with Fauster hot on her heels but the race was won by Ghibaudo and lost by the rest in the run-up to the start line.
Sadly the wind softened after this race and the committee decide to cancel any further competition for the day.
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