John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas have claimed Great Britain’s first medal at the French Olympic Sailing Week in Hyeres, clinching gold with a day to spare in the Paralympic Sonar class on Thursday (24 April).
The trio, whose selection for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games was confirmed earlier this month, have led the three-person keelboat fleet since the start of the regatta, clinching eight race wins out of nine races so far, to notch up a seven point lead with one race still to go on Friday.
The Skandia Team GBR trio have found good speed in their new boat, being raced competitively for the first time in Hyeres.
But helmsman Robertson, although pleased with the team’s performance, remains focussed on the main prize.
“It’s a good result and really pleasing that we’ve been sailing well, but this week’s really been about the getting new boat all ready.
After a long stint on shore waiting for the wind to appear, Skandia Team GBR’s sailors eventually made it out on to the racecourses today, and head into Friday’s final medal races with three crews in podium positions in the Olympic classes.
Helena Lucas is level on points with German sailor Heiko Kroeger heading into the final race for the 2.4mR Paralympic Class, while Skandia Team GBR will have two sailors in the medal race for the Laser fleet.
Two-time Yngling World Champions Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson are poised just outside the podium spots in fourth place, with results of 5,4,15 from their three races on Thursday.
“The aim of the day was to close the points, so we’ve achieved that,” Ayton explained.
“It was pretty tricky in the last race and we just got caught on the wrong side of a wind shift and with light winds and flat water like we’ve had today, those little mistakes cost you. But second place or bronze are still achievable.”
Christina Bassadone and Saskia Clark will also feature for Skandia Team GBR in the 470 women’s medal race.
The French Olympic Sailing Week concludes on Friday 25 April.
