Sailing: Tough Day At Opti Worlds On Day #3
The Bermuda team competing at the 2013 Optimist World Championships in Italy had what was described by Team Leader Julie Smith as a “tough day”.
For the first time during this regatta, Bermuda struggled for finishes near the top of the fleet. Lighter than normal winds [8 -14 knots] left the conditions less predictable than usual and challenged the fleet of 259 racers.
As a result, three of Bermuda’s five sailors experienced their highest scoring races of the championship. With 6 races completed, sailors were able to drop their worst race to date.
Ceci Wollmann, Mikey Wollmann, Campbell Patton, Chase Cooper, Benn Smith. Photo by Julie Smith
Ceci Wollmann remained as the top Bermudian but posted a 56 and a 60 which dropped her down to 77th from 21st place. Chase Cooper fell from 56th to 91st place after a 33 and a 59.
Campbell Patton had one good race today and is still in 135th place with an 18 and a 57. Mikey Wollmann was finally able to drop his OCS from the first day and climbed up to 163rd with a 32 and a 38. Benn Smith had finishes of 40 and 32 today which leaves him in 175th with 177 points.
Lake Garda start. Photo by Matias Capizzano
Team racing between the 59 nations is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Team Bermuda’s first team race will be against Norway. Monday is a rest day and an opportunity for the team to see the sights around beautiful Lake Garda. Fleet racing continues on Tuesday with six more races scheduled over three days to complete the event.
