2024 International WASZP Games at Sandefjord, Norway - Day 2
by Marc Ablett 8 Aug 18:03 NZST
5-10 August 2024
Botticini hits the lead as fleet finals bound
The second day of the WASZP competition in Sandefjord saw moderate conditions and a reasonable sea state on the outer course. This shift in conditions led to a day focused as much on boat handling as strategy, providing a fresh challenge for the 180 WASZP sailors.
It was a tricky day, with the breeze picking up but remaining patchy during the first 2-3 races. The fourth race saw improved conditions. The sea state on the outer course (yellow fleet yesterday) was substantial, with big rollers coming through. Spectacular images captured by James Tomlinson captured this perfectly.
Italian sailor Ettore Botticini has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the qualifying series, securing the lead as the fleet heads into the Gold & Silver fleet races. Hawaiian Gavin Ball follows closely in second place, despite a black flag in the final race costing him valuable points. Spaniard Alberto Hernandez is tied with Ball and sits just two points ahead of Norwegian Markus Berthet, making for a tight competition.
With only 8 points separating the 2nd to 9th positions, the race for the title remains open. Pre-event favorite Magnus Overbeck, currently in 9th place with 29 points, is still in contention.
Today's schedule introduces a new format featuring both sprint and marathon races. The sprint racing, a variation of traditional slalom racing, will see each boat compete in three races within both the gold and silver fleets. The distance race will be a spectacular event with all 180 boats starting together and racing around the entire Fjord and its islands.
Following today's sprint and distance races, the event will continue with two more days of finals racing.
In the women's fleet, Norwegian Hedvig Doksrod holds a commanding lead, currently positioned 17th in the open fleet and aiming for a top 10 overall finish. Marie Butler Wang has moved into second place, and USA's Pearl Lattanzi is now in third. The competition for the podium is fierce, with nine women qualifying for the Gold Fleet.
Francesco Carrieri leads the 6.9m class, although the competition for the podium is tightening. Tommaso and Rebecca Geiger currently hold second and third positions, respectively, but strong performances from local sailor Martinius Hopstock, Italy's Olivia Castaldi, and GBR's Alice Senior have opened up the series points.
Division Leaders:
- Junior: Mose Bellomi - Italy
- Youth: Alberto Hernandez - Spain
- Apprentice: Ettore Botticini - Italy
- Master: Emmanuele Savoini - Italy
- Super Master: Mikel Vazquez - Spain
Full results can be found here