| MEDEMBLIK, NETHERLANDS-(25-5-2006) A greater contrast with yesterday was unthinkable today at the second day of the Holland Regatta. As heavy weather caused starts to be delayed until early evening yesterday, today was marked by very light winds. In the afternoon, sailing conditions improved considerably and all planned courses could be sailed.
It has been a very successful day for the Dutch competitors overall.
The 470 women are doing exceptionally well. After winning their opening race yesterday, World Champions Marcelien de Koning and Lobke Berkhout succeeded today in winning three consecutive races in a row. Young gun Casper Bouman continued his winning mood after his achievements in France and is leading the Men’s RS:X. Last but not least Ynglings are completing the Dutch victories. The teams of Janneke Hin, Mandy Mulder and Annelies Thies have taken the lead off the coast of Medemblik setting the overall Yngling scores on NED 1-2-3.
Today the 49er class finished in the harbour and right in front of the Regatta Center. For all spectators it was an exciting moment. It took a lot of skills to finish with gennaker up as the wind had increased considerably. The race was won by USA 840 Morgan Larson and Pete Spaulding, followed by fellow Americans Tim Wadlow and Chris Rast.
The 470 men were also in the winning mood. Dutch Olympic team members Sven and Kalle Coster are in fourth place after four races, with even one disqualification because of an early start. The Yngling Class sailed their very first race this morning as all their races had been cancelled yesterday due to the weather.
In the Laser Class Tom Slingsby from Australia is taking the lead with three victories in a row and a second place in the last race. He is followed by Michael Leigh (CAN) in second position and Alexander Schlonski (GER) in third.
Gold Medalist Aimilios Papathanasiou (GRE) in the Finn class scored a first and a second place in today's races. With 5 points he is in number one position overall. Number two is Edward Wright from Great Britain followed by a third place for Daniel Bigmark (SWE).
Two classes show a remarkable top three. Whereas Tornado class shows only French competitors, the Yngling Class top three is completely Dutch.
Although it seems flying Dutchmen are on track for victories, Sunday medal races could be decisive as they may have a great contribution to the overall positions.
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