Samoa 2019 sailors frustrated by wind
Sailors were at the mercy of the winds in a day of stop-start sailing at Mulifanua during the third day of sailing competition in the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games.
Sailing was delayed in the morning due to light winds of 4 - 6 knots.
It was a test of the sailors' skills as they searched out the breeze. In increasingly frustrating conditions, the second race finished on water position due to lack of wind.
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At 1pm officials stated the decision to continue racing would be made later. Ninety minutes later sailing was cancelled due to weather, with officials citing thunder and lightning.
Only two races were completed, with the third being abandoned due to thunderstorms and lightening and lack of wind. It was challenging today with the wind being patchy and light. Constant tacks was hard work for all.
Vaimooia Ripley, of Samoa, said: "I had two infringements today, at the start line and then a port- starboard call. In these conditions it was really hard to make up time."
Today was also the first day of para sailing.
The para-athletes are using Hansa 303s which have been sent over from New Zealand especially for the athletes to use in the Samoa XVI 2019 Pacific Games.
The centreboard has 30kg of extra weight which increases the stability of the boat.
Today the singles were on the water in the light winds and tomorrow doubles will feature. Today Russell Phillips from Australia was first followed by Jan Sijp from the Cook Islands.
Officials and sailors are hoping for more consistent breeze tomorrow.
Results
Juliette Bone, New Caledonia, is having a great regatta so far with two firsts today.
Points today after 8 races with a drop are:
- Juliette Bone, New Caledonia: 7
- Rosa-Lee Numa, Papua New Guinea: 25
- Bianca Leilua, Samoa: 22
Samoa is leading the team event:
Samoa - 62
Fiji - 94
New Caledonia - 100
