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3 September 2009, 10:11 am

Dyen And Christidis Reclaim The Lead Of 49er Europeans

The 49er fleet battle on day three at Zadar

The 49er fleet battle during day three of racing at Zadar

©Sime Sokota

49er European Championship 2009

Zadar, Croatia

Manu Dyen and Stephanie Christidis retained their lead in the 2009 49er European Championship by winning both races in the final qualification leading to the gold fleet series.

Lighter winds greeted the sailors in Zadar, Croatia with winds in the 6-8 knot range, causing patience to reign. French pairing Emmanuel Dyen and Stéphane Christidis excelled in the slower wind range, retaking the overall lead.

Dyen commented, "It was a very good day for us with two wins for today. The gold fleet will be harder with good sailors combined from both fleets. If we can do the same as today we can stay at the top of the regatta."

They are not alone as France occupies third and fourth positions thanks to, respectively, Tuesday's leaders Morgan Lagraviere and Yann Rocherieux, and Julien D'Ortoli and Noe Delpech. Only veteran skiff sailors Paul Brotherton and Mark Asquith of Great Britain separate the French navy having sailed a 3, 3 in Wedneday's lighter conditions.

Racing continues on Thursday with the final series and the Medal Race held on Saturday.

Results - click here

Jerelyn Biehl