Gilmour Leads European Championships
Western Australian sailor David Gilmour currently leads the 49er European Championships being held in Germany.
Gilmour – who is competing with crew Joel Turner – holds an early advantage over boats from Italy and Great Britain, with a large fleet of 94 crews contesting the titles.
The Australians carried over strong qualification form and have posted race results of sixth, second and fifth from their three gold fleet races to date, leading the pack on 28.5 net.
With nine race rounds remaining, Gilmour and Turner are well placed for a podium assault. Gilmour’s younger brother Lachy – who is racing with Ryan Donaldson – currently sits 30th overall with a net score of 83.5.
At the Nacra17 Championships, which are also being held in Germany along with the 49er and 49erFX titles, young WA athlete Conor Nicholas (competing with Pip Pietromonaco) is currently leading the C-Board Fleet, which underpins the Foiling Fleet class competition.
The Australian pair have sailed consistently – registering top five finishes in each of their nine races, spare a race drop in round six – and enjoy a six point advantage over another Australian pairing of Paul Darmanin and Lucy Copeland.
In the 49erFX competition, Western Australian athletes Caitlin Elks and Hayley Clark sit 19th overall, whilst fellow West Aussie Ella Clark – crewing for Amelia Stabback are further back in 23rd.