African Laser and Laser Radial Championships off the mark in Algeria

A large high pressure system has dominated the west and central Mediterranean Sea for a number of days limiting the training opportunities for the men and women hoping to win an Olympic place for their country at the African Laser and Laser Radial Championship.

An early start time had been scheduled for the first day of racing to be sure of catching any local wind. However, it took four hours of patient waiting before a light north easterly wind ruffled the glassy waters and the fleet were called afloat. The wind strengthened just enough for a start and the mens Laser fleet got away at the first attempt

At the first mark Youssef Aktout (TUN) rounded just in front of a tight group of five from three countries who swapped places throughout the race. Idris Bouhadda (ALG) was in this group but, unfortunately for him, he was on the course side of the start line at the start. Downwind speed was the deciding factor in the race, a skill that Manuel Lelo from Angola used to good effect passing Wassim Ziani (ALG) to finish a close second to Aktout.

In the womens Laser Radial fleet the first three places in race 1 went to Imene Cherif Sahraqui (ALG), Khouloud Mansi (EGY) and Ines Gmati (TUN) in close racing. These 3 sailors also shared the first three places of the second race. In the second race Cherif Sahraqui had the lead at the first mark but was overtaken by Mansi on the first downwind. Mansi protected her position well including defending a strong attack at the last mark before the finishing first. Gmati had to work hard on the second upwind to get back to third after being fifth.

Overall Positions after 2 races without discard:

3. Rodney Govinden SEY 9pts