Dutch Water Week: Competition hots up on day three

After two cooler, breezier days, sailors and fans finally enjoyed almost summer-like conditions. Britain’s Michael Beckett continues to lead the ten-sailor strong fleet in the ILCA7. Danish Windsurfer Johan Søe tops the iQFOiL men’s class and Irish Eve McMahon is the one to beat in the ILCA6.

ILCA 7

In the ILCA 7, Michael Beckett (GBR) underlined his quality with another strong day, keeping a firm hold on the overall lead. With Nicholas Halliday (HKG) and Lorezno Chiavarini (ITA) in the chase. Dutch sailor Duko Bos held on to joint 5th, while Willem Wiersema followed in 8th.

ILCA 6

In the ILCA 6 the leader is Eve McMahon (IRL) with Agata Barwinska (POL) in second. Maxime Jonker (NED) climbed into 3rd overall and Roos Wind (NED) also impressed and is close behind in 4th.

iQFOiL

In the iQFOiL Men, Johan Søe (DEN) stayed out in front, with Nacho Baltasar Summers (ESP) in 2nd Max Castelein climbed into the top 3. Olympic champion Kiran Badloe (NED) sits 5th, and Joost Vink (NED) is 6th.

Finals on inland lake at Almere’s City Centre

For the last two days, the Dutch Water Week leaves Marina Muiderzand and moves inland to the Weerwater in Almere’s city centre. The shift brings top-level sailing right into the heart of the city, making it easier for the public to watch the action up close. Looking ahead to the change of venue, Dutch ILCA 7-sailor Duko Bos said:

“I trained a bit on the Kralingse Plas (small inland lake in Duko’s hometown Rotterdam ed.) to prepare for the switch to the Weerwater in the city centre. Hopefully that gives me a little advantage.”

On Sunday, the five best-ranked in the high points scoring format (iQFOiL and ILCA 7) battle it out on the Weerwater in the ultimate final. In the low points scoring format (ILCA 6) all nine will engage in battle to decide who takes the honours.

Text and images courtesy of Sailing Grand Slam. Read more here.