Friday, November 28, 2008

Bethlem/Bianchi Dominate




Changes were in store for today's sailing: to being with races were scheduled over the layday to make up for a possible lighter air and rain that is predicted.  The breeze was on when the sailors woke up - someone reported whitecaps in the hotel swimming pool alongside the pool furniture that also was blown into the water...... But the RC scheduled races for 1 pm and the fleet went out. The RC set up inside Maldonado Bay rather than outside the island off Punta del Este where the prior 6 races have been held.

The sailors were treated to 14-16 knots in flat water.  Puffs rolled through the fleet making challenging conditions.  Race 7 began in 12-14 knots under the Z-flag after an over-anxious start the first round.  At the weather mark, Bethlem/Bianchi led and never looked back; a feat they repeated in race 8 making the racing tighter for the top position.  Defazio/Finck also scored a great day with a 2-2 day to move them up in the standings.  Meanwhile, Paradeda/Kieling struggled with the conditions posting a 12-13 for the day and setting up the final race to be a battle of the Brazilians.

Rodriguez/Rios held strong to solidify their 3rd place with a 3-5, battling back in race 8 from 12th at the 1st mark to finish 5th.

Race 8 held some surprises with a lull at the reach mark causing a crowded wheel and some drastic changes in positions.  Ricardo Fabini/Maria Tato made out going from 14th at the weather mark to 3rd at the bottom triangle to hold this position to the end.

Tomorrow is predicted to have lighter air and a great battle on the water.  Check out the latest video posting of Race 8 on YouTube and also photos on the website as well as the official results.  Standings going into race 9:
Bethlem/Bianchi BRA 
Paradeda/Kieling BRA 
Rodriguez/Rios USA
Haddad/Low Beer BRA
Diaz/Tocke USA
Dafazio/Finck URU

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