Brazilians Battle For Pan-Am Spots
Pre-Pan American Games Regatta 2007
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil's top sailors are battling on Guanabara Bay to win the right to represent their nation at the Rio 2007 Pan-American Games. Robert SCHEIDT (BRA) is back in the Laser aiming for his fourth Pan-Am title, but did not have everything his own way in the opening exchanges.
As the host nation for the Pan-Am Games, Brazil automatically receive an entry in each of the nine sailing events. From 4-11 February, the contest on Guanabara Bay will decide who will represent Brazil in the J/24, Laser, Laser Radial, Lightning, Men's and Women's RS:X, Hobie 16 and Snipe events.
Triple Pan-Am Champion and double Olympic gold medallist SCHEIDT is a heavy favourite for the Laser spot, but currently lies in second place overall, just behind Bruno FONTES (BRA).
In the Laser Radial class, Adriana KOSTIW (BRA) leads the way after a 2,2,1,1 start on Guanabara Bay. An identical scoreline gives reigning World Champion Maurício SANTA CRUZ (BRA) and his Bruschetta team the lead in the J/24 fleet.
ISAF. Image, Robert SCHEIDT lies second after four races:© M. Rodrigues/fotocom.net
