A very tight start field put on a great show during the first day of the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship in Lysekil, Sweden. Five skippers, Claire Leroy, Katie Spithill, Camille Ulrikkeholm, Anna Kjellberg and Marie Björling have taken the lead with four matches won out of five in the first Round Robin.
Katie Spithill had victories over Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen, Silke Hahlbrock, Camilla Ulrikkeholm and Christelle Philippe but lost to Sally Barkow. Nicole Souter had a victory over Lucy McGregor but losses to World No 1 Claire Leroy, Linda Rahm, Anna Kjellberg and Marie Bjorlling.
The World Championship started in perfect conditions. In blue skies and south-westerly winds at around 15 knots, the world's foremost female match racing teams gave the many spectators action packed sailing with tough manoeuvres pushing the boats to their maximum. The excitement kept on going all day long with tight racing to the last match of the day.
“Today's sailing proves even more that many teams are able to win. The competition is closer than previous years,” said defending World Champion Claire Leroy who lost one match today against Swedish local Marie Björling.
Björling is having a successful comeback after a two-year break, showing great form.
“We sailed fast, handled the boat well, and made good tactical decisions,” said Björling who was happy to start the regatta by beating the World Champion Claire Leroy and Lucy Macgregor, ranked third on ISAF women's world ranking list.
Result day 1: ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship (with ISAF women's match racing world ranking number):
5 matches sailed out of 11 in the first Round Robin
Marie Björling (43) SWE 4-1
Claire Leroy (1) FRA 4-1
Anna Kjellberg (10) SWE 4-1
Katie Spithill (2) AUS 4-1
Camilla Ulrikkeholm (13) DEN 4-1
Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen (5) DEN 3-2
Silke Hahlbrock (6) GER 2-3
Sally Barkow (7) USA 2-3
Lucy Macgregor (3) GBR 1-4
Linda Rahm (4) SWE 1-4
Nicole Souter (8) AUS 1-4
Christelle Philippe (19) FRA 0-5
