What a difference a day makes

After the opening day of the 2017 Para World Sailing Championships, held alongside Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) sailing festival, was blessed with gorgeous sunshine and a 7-9 knot breeze, albeit shifty, Thursday was a massive contrast.

The day had a bit of everything. There were grey skies, heavy showers and no breeze in the morning. Moving into the afternoon, a sudden sunny spell was coupled with a heavy breeze, gusting up to 25 knots.  The breeze declined as the afternoon played out before dropping off completely and bringing another rain shower to put an end to the day.
 
Only the Open 2.4 Norlin OD, One Person Keelboat, managed to sail, and they completed one race in variable 5-16 knot southerly breeze.
 
The race victory went the way of Bjørnar Erikstad from Norway who moves up into sixth overall. He was followed by Damien Seguin, Athens 2004 and Rio 2016 Paralympic gold medallist. Seguin subsequently moves into first overall, overtaking Daniel Bina (CZE) who discards his 13th.
 
An ever-changing breeze really tested the 2.4 Norlin OD competitors in their single race and the breeze was as variable as it comes.
 
Erikstad managed to get a clean start in the middle of the line with space around him. Those starting at the pin end of the line found themselves in a bit of a cluster allowing the Norwegian some space.
 
With clean air in his sails Erikstad was able to control the pack in the middle of the race course on the first upwind leg. His superior speed over his rivals ensured he rounded ahead of the chasing fleet.
 
Erikstad had Seguin in his shadow in the first part and middle section of the race but towards the finish Erikstad began to stretch and he crossed the finish line 23 seconds ahead.
 
Australia’s Matt Bugg and Germany’s Heiko Kroger followed through in third and fourth respectively.
 
Kroger occupies the final podium spot after three races with Bugg just two points off.
 
The 2.4 Norlin OD fleet were unable to get a further race in as the Men’s and Women’s Hansa 303 fleets were sent out on to the water to attempt to squeeze in a race.
 
However, the wind had completely disappeared by the time they reached the racing area and they were sent in for the evening.
 
Racing will commence racing at 12:00 local time on Friday 23 June and three races are scheduled for all three fleets as they attempt to catch up on a day lost.
 
RESULTS / ENTRIES
Full results are available on manage2sail here – www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/KielWeek
 
Click below for entry lists:
2.4 Norlin OD – Open Gender One Person Keelboat – Minimum Disability
Hansa 303 – One Person Keelboat Male – Minimum Disability
Hansa 303 – One Person Keelboat Female – Minimum Disability
 
SAP SAILING ANALYTICS
Live tracking and competitor’s analytics will be available via SAP Sailing Analytics throughout the event here – https://kw2017.sapsailing.com/gwt/Home.html?#/event/:eventId=4d3df446-43bc-46a1-9146-3e1caf6ed757
 
PHOTOGRAPHY
High resolution imagery free for editorial usage is provided throughout the Para World Sailing Championships. Imagery is available to download via – http://worldsailing.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/2017/C0000m8NZW41LzIw The password to download is WSimages
 
TELEVISION
Daily highlight videos will be available to watch on the World Sailing TV YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/worldsailingtv and live racing throughout the duration of Kieler Woche can be viewed here http://www.kielerwoche.tv/.
 
PRESS RELEASES
World Sailing will be releasing international press releases after racing throughout the duration of the Para World Sailing Championships. All the latest news and reports will be available to read here – http://sailing.org/news/disabled-sailing.php
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow the event on World Sailing’s social networks and get involved in the conversation using #ParaWorldSailing #KielerWoche #WorldSailing
World Sailing Facebook
Instagram – @worldsailingofficial
Twitter – @worldsailing
Snapchat – Follow our Story on Snapchat, search for worldsailing