The second day of racing at the 2009 470 World Championship in Rungsted, Denmark, was a good one for the Australian crews with ladder climbing and consistent performances highlighting the day.
Beijing Olympic Games Gold medallists Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson were the big movers in the women's fleet, racing up the ladder from 24th to third after Monday's three races.
Rechichi and Parkinson had a first, fifth and second to be tied on points with the second placed Great Britain crew of Penny Clark and Katrina Hughes and just seven points behind leaders Lisa Westerhof and Lobke Berkhout of the Netherlands.
The form of the West Australian's turned many heads in the boat park given that they haven't raced in an international regatta since their victory in China a year ago.
In the men's fleet the Australian Sailing Development Squad's Sam Kivell and Will Ryan remain in fourth place, just three points behind the Dutch and Croatian crews who are tied for the lead.
“Today was another great day in the office with our first ever race win at a 470 Worlds,” said Kivell. “The last two days haven't really sunk in yet and hopefully we can ride this wave of good luck for another few days.”
Kivell and Ryan's strong performance on day two of the regatta included a race victory, a 14th and fourth placing.
The Australian Sailing Team's Mathew Belcher and Malcolm Page are currently in 11th position, just ten points behind the leaders and well within striking distance with a day of qualifying races still to run.
The pair had an eighth, third and second with the eighth coming after they had restarted, believing they had been OCS.
“We negotiated the fleet and got back around the boat and started well and truly last, by a long way and came back through,” said Page. “But the problem is we found out later that we weren't over! Otherwise it was a good day.”
Fellow Australian's Alexander and Patrick Conway are currently in 81st, ahead of Max Taylor and Klade Klade Hauschildt in 87th.
In the women's fleet Stacey Omay and Chelsea Hall are in 39th and Jacqui Bonnitcha and Claudine Olgilvie are in 54th.
For more information go to www.australiansailingteam.com.au
