Windy Medal Races at Delta Lloyd Regatta 2008

On Sunday May 25 2008, the remaining top ten sailors at the Delta Lloyd Regatta met windy and wet conditions in the Medal Races. The strong breeze and choppy IJsselmeer were challenging. The competitors showed spectacular battles with lots of capsizes around the course. The leaders tried to stay out of troubles and others had to take extra risks. Some gained and some lost. According to many Olympians, this year’s Delta Lloyd Regatta has been a good training for Beijing with an interesting end.

470 Women – Italians decide the battle
The Italians Giulia Conti and Giovanna Micol withstood the head and extended their lead on their Brazilian sparring partners Oliveira/Swan. Conti: “We had a bad start and where third last at the top mark. We gained a lot on the downwind and climbed to a fourth position and stayed there. The conditions were tough and the down wind was scary. We tried hard to control the boat. If it is windy in China, it is similar to here, so it was again a good training. We are very happy.” And so were Marcelien de Koning and Lobke Berkhout (NED), who took de double scoring bullet and therefore the bronze medal.
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Marcelien de Koning and Lobke Berkhout (NED)

RS:X – ‘Interesting finish’
Marina Alabau (ESP) did not take any risks in the women fleet: “I already had a big lead, so I took it easy. It was heavy going downwind in these choppy conditions. I did not have much control.” But the Spanish European Champion finished third and won the regatta, followed by Barbara Kendall (NZL) and Blanca Manchon (ESP), who took the final bullet.
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Laser
Both leaders in the Laser classes had their own tactics for the final battle in the Medal Race. And they both succeeded. Anna Tunnicliffe (USA): “I sailed conservatively and kept it simple. I started slow and got better throughout the race. I rounded the top mark in ninth position and worked myself through the fleet to a fourth place. This victory is certainly good for my confidence.” Gintare Volungeviciute (SLO) had an eventful day: “I was sixth at the upwind buoy, but I touched it and had to take a penalty turn. Directly after this, I got flagged and had to take another penalty, so I was last. The Australians capsized, so we finished ninth.” She still hang on to the silver medal, followed by Larissa Nevierov (ITA).
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