For the third consecutive day, Norway’s Anders Pedersen leads the Porsche Centre Brisbane 2026 Finn Gold Cup, boasting five wins from six races and a six-point advantage over Italy’s Alessandro Marega. Australia’s Anthony Nossiter is in third, nine points back.
Hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Brisbane, a pleasant Tuesday saw the return of summer. Although forecasts suggested a norm of grey skies, the day featured sunny conditions with rising temperatures and breezy winds of 12-15 knots, following several days of rain in the area.
Race day proved challenging, characterised by significant wind shifts that forced several front-runners into a fight from mid-fleet. Ian McKillop from Australia claimed victory in race five, pulling ahead after a substantial right shift. Marega and Italy’s Marko Kolic followed him across the line, with Pedersen managing to finish 15th after struggling in the initial race.
In the second race, Pedersen found his footing, successfully starting at the pin end and quickly making his way to the right, taking the lead at the top mark and holding it to secure another win. Marega again placed second, with New Zealand’s Karl Purdie finishing third.
With six races now completed, the discard rule is enforced, allowing Pedersen to maintain a slim six point lead. Behind him, the competition remains intense, with other Olympians and multiple European champions closing in the top ten.
Quotes from the day include Ian McKillop noting, “The first race today went well for me. Overall, it’s nice to get a win, but in the second race, I struggled when the right side did not perform. That’s just sailing.” Karl Purdie commented on the shifting conditions stating, “It was critical to remain patient today, as some gains took time to develop.”
Racing continues on Wednesday with two additional races scheduled before concluding on Thursday.
Results after six races:
1. NOR1 Anders Østre Pedersen – 5 points
2. ITA 1103 Alessandro Marega – 11 points
3. AUS 221 Anthony Nossiter – 20 points
4. ESP 100 Rafael Trujillo – 25 points
5. AUS 11 Brendan Casey – 34 points
6. AUS 2 Rob McMillan – 38 points
7. FRA 111 Valerian Lebrun – 40 points
8. NZL 111 Karl Purdie – 42 points
9. AUS 37 James Bevis – 42 points
10. AUS 26 Ian McKillop – 5 points
For full results visit: here.
Hashtags for the event include: #finnsailing #fgc #finngoldcup #finnclass #finn #sailing #worldsailingofficial
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