Sailors in Action at the Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma
Western Australian sailors have been in action across three classes of racing at the Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma, Spain.
Following a quieter period on the international race circuit over recent weeks, WA sailors have this week resumed duties in the 470, 49er and 49erFX classes in Palma, which is located on Spain’s largest island of Mallorca in the western Mediterranean Sea.
The brothers Gilmour – David and Lachy currently sit in 11thposition after three completed races in the 49er fleet.
Still competing as a relatively new combination, the Gilmour boys carded (16th), second and seventh placed efforts in early racing and will target a top 10 berth which is required for the medal round at the end of the week.
The brothers currently have nine net points, but with five crews ahead of them on the leaderboard on eight points, there is plenty of movement anticipated over the coming days of racing.
The West Aussie pairing of Nia Jerwood and Monique de Vries in the women’s 470 are presently ranked 18th overall, following four completed races. The girls have carded 23rd, 15th, 13thand (28th) placed efforts over the two days of racing so far.
Competing on a craft christened “Room to Move” they’ll be hoping that that theme represents upwards trajectory on the leaderboard in the races ahead.
Chris Charlwood and his NSW crew Josh Dawson sit 22ndin the men’s 470 fleet. They enjoyed a good first day of racing with eighth and fourth place efforts, but slipped further back on day two with a (22nd) and 16th pair of results that sees them holding a current net score of 28 points.
That mark however, will keep them well and truly in the hunt for the medal round on current trends, with numerous crews within striking distance.
In the 49erFX, Amelia Stabback and her WA crew Caitlin Elks have experienced a nearly series thus far. Their scores of; 10, 13, (21), 12, 18 and seven across the six completed races have them on 60 points, but there were opportunities to have finished higher in a number of races, which could have had them on a lower score.
They will be encouraged however, that they’ve created opportunities to be in the thick of the action in most races so far.
Racing continues through the week with the series wrapping up on Saturday.
Further results can be found via the tournament website here.