Breeze finally fills in

Hyeres wind comes good for the medal races on the final day of the Semaine Olympique Francaise

After racing all week in light conditions the wind finally came in Hyères for the Medal races providing great racing for the top ten sailors in each class. The easterly breeze was up early this morning, increasing to reach 20 knots by 1000 when the first medal races started. The two racing areas positioned along the pier provided a great show!

Having already won the 49ers going into the medal race, Italy's Sibello brothers increased their unassailable lead by finishing second in the medal race. This is the second event they have won back to back their return to international competition. ”We didn’t expect to be winning our first two events like that! We see now the result of all the training we did leading to the Olympic Games,” they said. On the windy Medal race they added: “When you race with such wind you have to give everything and be careful at the same time to avoid breakage or injuries. We haven’t raced in strong wind for a long time and this was a good test.”

A fourth place in the medal race gave silver to the Austrians Delle Karth/Resch who have taken the lead in the ISAF World Cup standings on equal points with Paul Campbell James and Mark Asquith (GBR). Manu Dyen and Stéphane Christidis (FRA) climb to 4th after claiming their first medal race win. “We are very happy with our win, this is our best result in Hyères.”

After a two year absence from the 49er class for Chris Draper, and six years away for crew Peter Greenhalgh, the new combination finished fifth in the medal race, and fifth overall at their first event together. A capsize on the final downwind leg saw Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes end the medal race in tenth - the position they finish their first regatta in.

“We’ve had some good moments, some real highlights and it’s shown ourselves that we’ve not made a silly decision which is great,” reflected Draper on their debut regatta in Hyeres. “We’ve learnt a lot – we’ve learnt a lot about racing together. It’s been a hard week but we’ve taken a massive amount out of it.

However, with just three weeks back in the boat prior to the event, the pair did confess to struggling in Friday’s stronger winds. “That definitely doubles mine and Peter’s hours in that much wind! It was really fun, but it was hard. Our boat handling was terrible - we very nearly went for a swim at the top mark!” recalled Draper.

Young Danish team of Henriette Koch and Lene Sommer confirmed their lead in the Semaine Olympique Française after placing fourth in the Medal race. They have won their second ISAF Sailing World Cup event this year and extend their lead on the SWC standings over the Austrians Vogl/Flatscher. The Dutch team of Margriet Fokkema and Marieke Jongens was the only threat for the Danes going into the medal race. “It is too dangerous to match-race in this wind and waves!" said Koch. "We had decided to only do it if we had the opportunity. We were not with the Dutch at the start so we sailed our own race. We were third at the top mark and they were ninth so we raced normally, just keeping a loose cover.” About their first place in the Sailing World Cup she explains: “We would like to keep it like that, unfortunately we both have engineering exams and will miss the Delta Lloyd regatta.”

Beijing Laser Gold medallist Paul Goodison is starting his new Olympic campaign in top form. Leading from day two, the Skandia Team GBR sailor increased his margin finishing third in todays medal race, thus winning his first event this year.

“It’s nice to be back sailing again," commented Goodison. "I’ve not sailed much in the light wind so it was quite reassuring to be performing in those conditions. In the final series the results didn’t really show how well I sailed. I thought I sailed pretty well but unfortunately just seemed to be on the wrong side for the first five minutes of each race but apart from that I did pretty well.”

With three sailors disqualified for premature starts and Javier Hernandez not racing, six sailors completed the medal race which was won by Tobias Schadewaldt. Following his OCS Tonci Stupanovic drops from second to seventh. This left Russian Maxim Semerkhanov to take silver and Matias Del Solar bronze. Skandia Team GBR's Nick Thompson, 6th overall, now leads the Sailing World Cup.

In the RS:X Men’s division, Shahar Zubari from Israel saved the day by just one point after crossing the line in seventh place to take Gold. “I saw that Julien was coming to win the medal race," he said. "I had a bad start and rounded the top mark in seventh. The others were further back so I knew that was enough to win. I took it easy and tried to maintain my seventh place without taking too many risks. This is my first victory in an international event. I have to work more in the planning conditions as I am a better sailor in light wind.” This victory gives Zubari third place in the ISAF Sailing World Cup standings.

France's Beijing Silver medallist Julien Bontemps won his first medal race to take second overall. “I had a good start, I was in front and then I increased my advance. I wanted to check my level in the breeze, it was a short test but very productive.” About the French teams winning five medal races Bontemps added: “I knew the French had won four medal races and that did motivate me to add another victory!”

In the RS:X Women, Peina Chen maintained a narrow lead after scoring a sixth place in the Medal Race . “I especially wanted to learn about racing in the breeze, I didn’t have any objective of winning the event but only to sail the medal race as a normal regatta, learn and do well.”

Chen’s biggest goal this year is to finish in the top three in the Chinese national Championship next May which will give the young windsurfer the right to represent China on the international circuit. She enters the Sailing World Cup in 16th position, while medal race winner Blanca Manchon (ESP) increases her lead in the SWC standings taking bronze behind Bryony Shaw (GBR).

In the Finn, Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic (CRO) this week has won his first major international event by scoring a most consistent series. Reflecting on the Medal race, Gaspic said: “I had decided to stick to Gasper Vincec either in front or behind. On the first beat I covered him and we passed the top mark in 8th and 9th position. Gasper capsized and I could sail away.” Gaspic who is getting married in two weeks added: “If I had known getting married would stimulate my results, I would have planned it last year after the Olympics!”

Meanwhile Britain's Ed Wright had consolidated his top position in the Sailing World Cup with a second at the SOF. Wright today won his third Medal race in a row: “It’s been crazy - we’ve had ten races in really tricky light winds, which is unheard of in Hyeres I think. But the medal race was exciting and that’s what sailing’s all about – big waves, great breeze and it was really enjoyable.”

The medal races changed the leaders in two classes. Disqualification at the start of 470 Men's race for the Italians Gabrio Zandona and Edoardo Mancinelli, handed Gold to the new Swiss team of Matias Buhler and Felix Steiger. Pierre Leboucher and Vincent Garros are third overall while Palma winners France's Nicolas Charbonnier and Baptiste Meyer climb to fourth overall after winning the Medal Race.

Laser Radial sailor and Beijing Gold medallist, Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) added a third Sailing World Cup event victory to her wins at Sail Melbourne and Rolex Miami OCR. She is comfortably leading the Sailing World Cup in front of Tina Mihelic from Croatia. “I think the Sailing World Cup is a great concept, I am very happy to have had a good start this year and hope to continue to lead it until the end,” she said.

France's Xavier Rohart and Pierre-Alexis Ponsot conserved their lead from the second day in a small but talented Star fleet. Rohart previously won the SOF with Pacal Rambeau in 2001. “I really enjoy competing in Hyères, it is a challenging racing area," said Rohart. "I am really glad to win again in Hyères after many years and especially to be able to race in the Star here. I hope we will have more boats next year with the help of the Class. I have added some good points for the Sailing World Cup but I missed Miami so I will have to work harder in the next events to catch up.” The French team moves up to third in the ISAF Sailing World Cup standing. The Americans Andrew McDonald and Brian Faith are increasing their lead in the standings after finishing fourth in the SOF.

Double Olympic medallist in the Paralympics’ 2.4 Damien Seguin has successfully defended his title. Olympic champion, Thierry Schmitter won the windy Medal race, elevating him from fifth to second overall. “Racing has been just great today, we were surfing the waves, I love these tough conditions," he said. "I am also very happy because my second place is insuring the continuing support of my Olympic Committee. I am pleased that the SOF event organisers have include the 2.4 in the medal race. I hope it will be the same in all the Sailing World Cup events.”

Bernard Bonneau, the Semaine Olympique Française coordinator
“I am satisfied with the outcome of this week. I wasn’t feeling very comfortable at the start of the week. The cancellation of the Women Match racing, the Sonar and the low number of entries in the Star led me to think this year we would have a “small” week. In fact I have received many positive feed-back from sailors and coaches and despite the weather conditions the Race Management team did a great job in providing fair racing. We have been surprised to see this year such a high number of media on site and covering the event from home, especially for a post Olympic year. For everybody here, it was clearly visible that our event was part of the Sailing World Cup as we made a special effort to include the SWC logo everywhere (boats, cars, results…). This is important regarding the support we have received this year from the City, Toulon Provence Mediterranée and all our partners. I believe that if we all do the same efforts we will help ISAF to find a naming right sponsor.”

More photos on the following pages....

Robert Deaves reports on the Finn racing:

Sixth place was enough for Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic (CRO) to take the overall win in the Finn class at the 41st Semaine Olympique Française in Hyeres today, his first Grade 1 win in the class. With perfect conditions for the medal race of 15-20 knots and steep waves, the race actually started on time and finally the sailors could stretch their legs and flex their muscles.

Race winner and second overall was Ed Wright (GBR), who seems to be making a habit of winning medal races. After snatching the Rolex Miami OCR from Chris Cook (CAN) by winning the medal race and then also winning the medal race in Palma to grab second place from team mate Andrew Mills (GBR), he has done the same trick in Hyeres and overturned an 12 point deficit from Gapser Vincec (SLO). Vincec, who has occupied second overall since day two, finished last in the medal race and dropped to the bronze medal position.

Afterwards Wright said, “The medal race was great fun. We had some wind and waves at last and the conditions were amazing for sailing. It was thoroughly enjoyable.”

“I kept an eye on the guys close in points, sailed fast and luckily managed to win. Just kept out of trouble really. Another medal race win was particularly nice because it's been tricky sailing this week and we finally had a straightforward race. Also medal races are great as they are all so close and fun with good racing. I just hope I can carry on with the trend!”

The winner in Palma, Giles Scott (GBR) also enjoyed the windy conditions today and followed Wright across the finish line, with Michael Maier (CZE) in third and Peer Moberg (NOR) fourth. With his main competition further back, Scott climbed to fourth overall.

Kljakovic Gaspic said, “I had a nice start in a good position with good speed on the beat. My plan was to focus on Gasper. I was in front of him at the start and didn’t let him out of my sight. Then I tacked on him and after some tacks we were on right layline.”

They rounded the first mark eighth and ninth. “I was just ahead by a few metres and on the downwind he had one bad gybe and race for me was finished. I just had to cross the finishing line.”

“In this race today I wasn’t thinking of winning. I just had one goal: win the event. And I did it.” The Croatian, who is getting married in the middle of May before heading to the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Holland, commented on the ISAF Sailing World Cup so far. “It is good idea but maybe needs some improvements, perhaps invitations for top sailors and money prizes. Also I think we should have the same sailing instructions and same format of racing, number of discards, and so on.”

This was the first Finn medal race for Deniss Karpak (EST), in only his second Finn regatta. He said, “Now I have more experience, so that is the main thing. I feel more comfortable in the Finn fleet, and know everybody better than in Palma. It’s much easier if you know the guys you sail with.”

Tapio Nirkko (FIN) who placed 5th in the race to end up 10th overall said, “The racing here in Hyeres this year has been very challenging. The light and super tricky winds set up a different week for us compared to Palma. I think the key to this week was to sail against the fleet mostly and avoid being apart from the top guys. I’ve also had a few problems with the upwind speed so the absolute top was not possible for me to reach on this week.”

Final results - top three (and Brits)

470 Men
1. Matias Buhler-Felix Steiger, SUI (57pts)
2. Gabrio Zandona-Edoardo Macinelli, ITA (63pts)
3. Pierre Leboucher-Vincent Garos (69pts)
Selected GBR
6. Nic Asher-Elliot Willis (72pts)

Star
1. Xavier Rohart-Pierre Alex Ponsot, FRA (26pts)
2. John Gimson-Ed Greig, GBR (40pts)
3. Aimilios Papathanasi-Apostolos Karnoutsos, GRE (42pts)

2.4mR
1. Damien Seguin, FRA (15pts)
2. Thierry Schmitter, NED (29pts)
3, Andre Rademaker, NED (32pts)
GBR
4. Helena Lucas (33pts)
6. Megan Pascoe (47pts)

470 Women (after 10 races)
1. Henriette Koch-Lene Sommer, DEN (35pts)
2. Margriet Fokkema-Marieke Jongens, NED (46pts)
3. Sylvia Vogl-Caroline Flatscher, AUT (63pts)
GBR
13. Hannah Mills-Katrina Hughes (89pts)
14. Penny Clark-Saskia Clark (94pts)
17 Sophie Weguelin-Sophie Ainsworth (104pts)

49er
1. Pietro Sibello-Gianfranco Sibello, ITA (41pts)
2. Nico Delle Karth-Nikolaus Resch, AUT (69pts)
3. Federico Alonso-Arturo Alonso, ESP (73pts)
Selected GBR
5. Chris Draper-Peter Greenhalgh (90pts)
10. Stevie Morrison-Ben Rhodes (114pts)
13. Dylan Fletcher-Alain Sign (104pts)
15. Andrew Walsh-Simon Marks (109pts)
14. Paul Campbell-James-Mark Asquith (112pts)

RS:X Men
1. Shahar Zubari, ISR (27pts)
2. Julien Bontemps, FRA (28pts)
3. Nick Dempsey, GBR (41pts)

RS:X Women
1. Chen Peina, CHN (39pts)
2. Bryony Shaw, GBR (41pts)
3. Blanca Manchon, ESP (45pts)

Finn
1. Ivan Kljakovic, CRO (31pts)
2. Ed Wright, GBR (44pts)
3. Gasper Vincec, SLO (50pts)
Selected GBR
4. Giles Scott (54pts)

Laser Radial
1. Anna Tunnicliffe, USA (41pts)
2. Veronika Fenclova, CZE (43pts)
3. Evi van Acker, ESP (54pts)
Selected GBR
13. Rosie Chapman (118pts)
18. Andrea Brewster (126pts)
24. Alison Young (163pts)

Laser
1. Paul Goodison, GBR (45pts)
2. Maxim Semerkhano, RUS (64pts)
3. Matias del Solar, CHI (66pts)
Selected GBR
6. Nick Thompson (70pts)

Full Results: RS:X Men, RS:X Women, Laser, Laser Radial, Finn, 49er, 470M, 470W, Star, 2.4m