The Australian Sailing Development Squad's two Women's Match Racing crews have qualified for the quarterfinals of the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship on day three of racing in Lysekil, Sweden.
The crews, led by Katie Spithill and Nicky Souter, both head into Friday's quarterfinals with a record of six wins and five losses with Souter qualifying in fourth and Spithill in sixth.
“It's great to have both Australian teams through to the quarter finals,” said Spithill. “The game starts all over again now with a clean slate and a new round robin.”
“I am really pleased with the performance of my crew today, we made some silly errors on day two of racing, which we addressed as a team, and have now moved forward,” she said.
Thursday's racing continued the trend of the regatta with close racing and tight finishes throughout the matches with the shifty and puffy wind seeing crews sailing at times with genoas and sometimes jibs.
Women's Match Racing coach Dayne Sharp said the two Australian crews sailed well throughout the day to put themselves into a good position heading into the quarterfinals.
“Nicky's team continued their good run winning their last two races and securing fourth position,” he said. “This young team has steadily improved over the regatta as their knowledge and confidence grows with each race, applying basic match race principles and keeping it simple has given wins over more experienced crews.”
“Katie's team won their first two matches in style today, leading off the start line, and winning by close but comfortable margins,” he said. “In their last race against world number one Claire Leroy, Katie received a penalty in a vigorous pre-start sequence. After an even start to both teams the French drew out to a 2-3 lead, holding it to the end.”
“The Australian teams' preparation for this event has them in excellent shape to take on the extra puff, they look forward to coming up against the best match racers in the world.”
Friday's forecast is for 20-25 knot winds, demanding for all sailors, continuing the physically demanding week for the crews.
For more information go to www.australiansailingteam.com.au.
