Rio Olympic Test Event (Sailing): Railey (USA) Records Another Keeper, Buckingham Into Top 10

Pictured: Paige Railey (Clearwater, Fla.), Laser Radial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2015

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The absence of wind for the majority of the day made life difficult for competitors and regatta officials alike on day four of the Olympic Test Event in Rio de Janeiro. Only four fleets completed any races, including the 49erFX, Men’s RS:X, Men’s Laser and Women’s Laser Radial. US Sailing Team Sperry athletes Paige Railey (Clearwater, Fla.) took third in the only Laser Radial race, and maintained 2nd place overall. In the Laser, Charlie Buckingham (Newport Beach, Calif.) finished 12th, and moved into the top ten overall.

A black flag disqualification penalty incurred earlier in the week (for being over the starting line early during a race) has forced Railey to account for it in her strategy, but so far it has not slowed down the 2012 Olympian. “I’m just staying calm and focusing on the ‘here and now.’ Obviously the OCS has put a lot of pressure on me, and I’m not taking any risks,” said Railey. “Rather than going for the race win, I’m being more conservative, and rounding with the top group.”

Despite the challenges of racing at the highest level, Railey maintains that she is fully enjoying her latest Rio experience. For the two-time Pan American Champion, her love affair with the city started at the Pan Am Games in 2007. “Rio has always been my favorite place in the world to travel to, to visit, and to sail [at]. Ever since 2007 I’ve always claimed this place to be the best,” said Railey. “Seeing it develop, and seeing the [Olympic] venue being built just makes me more motivated to get here next year.” When asked if being the sole sailor in her fleet representing the United States added to the mental burden, Railey said that was not the case. “I don’t feel extra pressure. Just pride.”

Racing continues at the Aquece Rio International Sailing Regatta 2015 (Olympic Test Event) on Wednesday, August 19. The event will conclude with medal races for the top competitors in each fleet from August 20-22. Full schedule here.

Social Media Roundup:

“How do you win a sailboat race? Start first and increase your lead.” -Buddy Melges Good luck to the #TeamUSA sailors at the Rio Olympic Test Event!

A photo posted by Team USA (@teamusa) on Aug 18, 2015 at 1:20pm PDT

Rio de Janeiro… The skyline is so beautiful here it’s almost difficult to focus on the task at hand… #🇺🇸 #🇧🇷 #OdysseysAwait #GoTeamUSA #brazil #ocean #sun #Olympic #Sailing @sperry @sunbrella @harken_inc @yalecordage Photo: @onnevanderwal @onnessignment

A photo posted by US Sailing Team (@ussailingteam) on Aug 18, 2015 at 4:56pm PDT

2015 Olympic Test Event, USA Results:

Full Results

Men’s 470 (Men’s Two-Person Dinghy): 

1st overall, Stuart McNay (Providence, R.I.) and David Hughes (Miami, Fla.)

Laser Radial (Women’s One-Person Dinghy): 

2nd overall, Paige Railey (Clearwater, Fla.)

Women’s 470 (Women’s Two-Person Dinghy): 

2nd overall, Annie Haeger (East Troy, Wisc.) and Briana Provancha (San Diego, Calif.)

Laser (Men’s One-Person Dinghy): 

9th overall, Charlie Buckingham (Newport Beach, Calif.)

Finn (Men’s One-Person Heavyweight Dinghy): 

14th overall, Caleb Paine (San Diego, Calif.)

Nacra 17 (Mixed Two-Person Multihull):

15th overall, Sarah Newberry (Miami, Fla.) and Matthew Whitehead (Panama City, Fla.)

49erFX (Women’s Two-Person High Performance Skiff):

16th overall, Paris Henken (Coronado, Calif.) and Helena Scutt (Kirkland, Wash.)

49er (Men’s Two-Person High Performance Skiff):

17th overall, Brad Funk (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and Trevor Burd (Marblehead, Mass.)

Women’s RS:X (Women’s Board): 

18th overall, Farrah Hall (Annapolis, Md.)

Men’s RS:X (Men’s Board): 

24th overall, Carson Crain (Houston, Texas)

Rio Olympic Test Event Reports

Day 3: USA Takes Lead in Men’s 470, Maintains in Women’s 470, Radial
Day 2: USA 2nd Overall In Three Classes
Day 1: USA Starts Strong In Laser, Radial
Preview & Roster

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About the US Sailing Team Sperry

The US Sailing Team Sperry is managed by the United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. The top boats in each Olympic and Paralympic class are selected annually to be members of the US Sailing Team Sperry. US Sailing helps these elite athletes with with financial, logistical, coaching, technical, fitness, marketing and communications support. The title sponsor of the team is Sperry; other sponsors include Gold-Level partner Sunbrella and Silver-Level partners Harken, Team McLube and Groupe Beneteau. Yale Cordage is a team supplier. The US Sailing Center Miami is an Olympic training site. Oakcliff Sailing and Clearwater Community Sailing Center are US Sailing Team Sperry Training Centers. Chubb Personal Insurance and the Gowrie Group sponsor US Sailing’s National Team Tour, a nationwide presentation program for US Sailing Team Sperry athletes. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org/olympics

The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team Sperry. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org

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Contact: Will Ricketson, Olympic Communications Manager, US Sailing. willricketson@ussailing.org, +1 (978) 697-2384.