Aussies extend lead at Hobie Worlds in China

Rod and Kerry Waterhouse (AUS) extended their lead in the Masters as did Anthony Duchatel and Evelyn Curtis (AUS) in the Grand Masters.

The day dawned clear, a good sign for wind and sure enough by 10am a decent 10-12 knot offshore breeze had settled in and two races were put in the bag. The shifty offshore breeze had competitors digging deep for the best lines of breeze.

After a lunch break the competitors were sent out into a double trapping  14 knot sea breeze. There was just enough time to get a great race in before it shifted back offshore and began to fade with one last race managed before the breeze dropped out completely.

The race committee managed the tricky wind conditions and set some great lines and courses that really did test the sailors, such as a pin end favoured lines when banging left was a preferred option!

In the Masters, William and Lucinda Edwards (RSA) are a clear second while Bob Engwirda and Brad Wilson (AUS) hold third. In the Grandmasters, Harry Handley and Peter Evrard (NZL) hold onto second with Bruce Tardrew and Sarah Turnbull (AUS) third.

The last day of the Masters/Grandmasters series looks like it will be held in a similar breeze and the same great spirit of competition that seems to pervade these great championships.

Event web site www.hobiewrolds.com

- Anthony Duchatel