Favourites Lead The Way In Calpe

The favourites made the early running at the ISAF Grade 1 International Women Match Race Criterium, with the top three skippers in the ISAF World Match Race Rankings heading up the leaderboard. After a windless first day, Lotte MELDGAARD PEDERSEN (DEN) seized the initiative, winning all of her five matches on Thursday.

After a day without any racing due to the absence of wind, the first ISAF Grade 1 women’s match racing event of 2007 began on Thursday at the Real Club Náutico Calpe in Spain.

Though the day began with rain, fog and lights winds, the weather forecast was right and at about 11:00 the Race Committee displayed the D flag allowing the competitor to go out to the course area.

World’s Best Shine

After eight flights sailed, MELDGAARD PEDERSEN leads with a 100% record. World #1 Claire LEROY (FRA) and world #3 Klaartje ZUIDERBAAN (NED) tie for second place on 5-1 records. Just behind the top three are two other sailors from the world top ten, with Katie SPITHILL (AUS) and Jenny AXHEDE (SWE) both on 4-1 records

In contrast it was not a good day for Sandy HAYES (USA), European Champion Sabrina GURIOLI (ITA) nor the only Spanish representative Maria CAMPOS, all of whom remain winless.

The end of the round robin is scheduled for tomorrow, with the semi-finals to follow.

For a complete list of all the news from the International Women Match Race Criterium 2007 CLICK HERE.