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August 26
– The weather forecast looked challenging for the Organizers to be able
to get in the final race in the 49ers by the 3:55 p.m. warning signal
deadline. To top that all off, with the combination of humidity, heat
and no breeze, it was predicted to feel like the hottest day since we
had arrived.
Well it certainly was hot, but the breeze filled in and the 49ers went
off for their final race. When the dust had cleared ESP was first with
UKR and GBR in the remaining Silver and Bronze positions. Our Team
finished a very respectable fifth, which is excellent for their first
Olympic Games. Rarely do individuals top the fleet in their first
Olympics. As I have been know to say, “Sailing is challenging for 3
years, 11 months and 2 weeks…then there are the Olympic Games!” It is
like no other regatta anyone has ever sailed.
Our Tornado team had a goal for today and that was to secure a podium
position. Well they did more than that; they secured the Gold or Silver
position with a first and a second. Things looked even better early on
as AUT was in 10th position at the first mark rounding in
both races. However in race one their subsequent roundings were 8-6-4-2
so we only gained one point in that race. In race two AUT went from 10th
to 8 to 6 to 4 where they eventually finished so we gained an additional
2 points. So for Saturday’s final race we are three points out of
Gold. Friday is a lay day for everyone so our Tornado team will check
out their boat and relax for their final push for Gold.
The Star Gold was secured by BRA with race to spare. We are still in
the hunt for a medal and anything can happen, especially when an Olympic
Gold medalist/Star World Champion can finish dead last as GBR did in
race 10.
It will be an exciting day Saturday and we are all ready wave the Stars
and Stripes for both our remaining teams.
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