The repechage component of Women’s Match Racing began on Fremantle’s Inner Harbour on Day 8 of competition at the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

With a fairly consistent Fremantle Doctor blowing in the afternoon, nine flights were completed on the first day of repechage competition which will determine the final list for the quarterfinals.

A boat change after the first four flights saw several teams end their day of racing. NZL finished with two wins and two losses, defeated by the two Australian crews.

“This is a particularly intense round robin. It’s about getting wins on the board, so you forget who you are racing against,” crew member Jenna Hansen (NZL) said.

As a testament to the intense competition in stage two, Silke Hahlbrock (GER) wound up her day without recording a win.

There was a slight upset in flight 57 when BRA-1 triumphed over three-time world champion Lucy Macgregor (GBR). However, Brazilian fans in the grandstand were sure this was ‘no surprise.’

Competition was close throughout the day with AUS-1, POR and BRA-2 scoring three points each, however, Lucy Macgregor (GBR) managed four wins for the day to snatch the lead.

“We’re very pleased with our day. It was another tricky day on the course. It all sort of merged into one … I’m not sure how many races we did. I think it was four wins and one loss. So, we’re very pleased with our day,” Macgregor said.

The breeze faded as the afternoon turned into early evening, making racing difficult.

Flight 59 was the final of the day: Stage Two (Repechage) continues on Fremantle’s Inner Harbour at 1200 local time Sunday 11 December.

(From the Perth 2011 website: www.Perth2011.com)

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