Medal Races tomorrow
Who were the big winners and losers, on the cold wet reality of the penultimate day of racing at this European Championship?

Certainly the conditions on the water were not exactly the best. Steady rain and a moderating breeze made for cold and unpleasant conditions so conversation turned inevitably to those wonderful days of wind and sun in warmer climes. New Caledonia for instance…. !

In the women’s fleet, the French charge has been taken up by Charline Picon (FRA 4) who now takes up position in 2nd place just two points ahead of Faustine Merret (FRA 9) now third with Zofia Klepacka (POL in 4th. However it is Marina Alabau (ESP 5) who with her two bullets today who has developed a good lead of 5 points going into the medal race tomorrow.

If we discount her BFD, it Marina who has sailed the most consistent series. Barring an unforseen disaster tomorrow she is all but home and dry.

Meanwhile over in the men’s gold fleet the battle for top spot looks much tighter. Joao Rodrigues (POR 75) is still on top but only three points in front Julien Bontemps (FRA 6). Przemyslaw Miarczynski (POL 126) in third is 9 points back and fighting to retain is place on the podium. Dorian Van Rijsselberge (NED is one point back. Henry Quentin (FRA 17) and Piotor Myszka (POL 82) are two points back. Nicholas le Gal (FRA 115) is four points back.

This group will give Pont a good work out tomorrow. He’ll have to have eyes in the back of his head, for sure. They are all capable of putting in a top 3. Working out an erffective defense against 4 attackers will no doubt exercise Pont’s mind tonight. The risk is that if he concentrates too much on this bunch, he could let through Shahar Zubari (ISR 11). I agree its an outside chance but Shahar won tyhe bronze medal at the 08 Worlds so it would be unwise to write him off yet.

To sum up, the conditions will play their part too. The forecast is for some light stuff. Dorian doesn’t usually do well when he has to work it. This time however there is an Olympic Qualification place in play so his strategy will probably revolve around that (must do a top 6) Henry Quentin (FRA 17) is racing on his home waters so if I was a betting man, I’d say he is Pont’s biggest threat. He’d just love to be on the podium tomorrow night!

USE OUR NEW LIVE TRACKING SYSTEM AT http://www.rsxclass.com/euros2008/livescores.html It’s pretty basic but it will certainly tell you what you need to know

For photos and videos go to: http://www.rsxclass.com/euros2008/media.html

Men’s groups and results at: http://www.rsxclass.com/euros2008/livescores.html

We’re in the chocolate – European Championships (yesterday)
Yes, I know, I said the wind was building BUT We’re now looking out over a very grey scene. Grey Sea. Grey land. Grey sky. Grey Mist. not a ripple on the water.

So far today has been a massive non event. The only thing that is overloaded with activity is the event WiFi network. It seems that just about evereyone is on line surfing the ether.

Except of course for the ocassional burst of activity. The last one occurred when an airwar broke out in the bar. More than 35 paper B52s made a surprise airstrike on the stage. Casualties are light although we are still awaiting confirmation from independent observsers struggling back through the carnage (Elliot)!

Conclusion: We’re in the chocolate for the moment. However patience and persistence will see us through. The forecast if it can be believed is much better for tomorrow. if it lives up to its billing we could complete three races in all fleets giving us 8 races plus a medal race on Saturday

We’ ll hang on for a little while longer though before pulling the plug…