Three straight wins for Jenny Axhede (SWE) at the first day of racing

Jenny Axhede (SWE) from Göteborg was unbeatable today when the women’s class began their racing in Match Cup Sweden. Three wins in a row commanded respect amongst the other participants, who together with Jenny constitutes the female sailing elite in the world.

- We had some awesome sailing. The team worked well together and had a fun time out there, the content skipper said.

Already in the first race Jenny faced hard opposition. The opponent was Claire Leroy (FRA), ranking number one among world female sailors. By winning the start, Jenny Axhede gained the upper hand over Claire Leroy (FRA) and won the first race in Match Cup Sweden.

In the second flight, Jenny raced her training partner Linda Rahm (SWE) and won in a tough struggle with barely half a minute.

In her third race, Jenny Axhede (SWE) defeated the Australian sailor Katie Spithill (AUS) with only a couple of boat lengths, even though Jenny’s crew had some problems with raising the spinnaker prior to crossing the finish line.

- Getting the opportunity to race here in Marstrand feels huge and we got the best possible start, she said.

Linda Rahm (SWE) thought the wind blew too hard for good maneouvering and wished for less during the rest of the week. But her team did take two wins today, against Anna Kjellberg (SWE) and Danish Ulrikke Camilleholm (DEN).

- It’s been a hard day’s work, said Linda, but we´re happy with winning two races. The umpire’s decisions did not go our way and we wish that they would not come down so hard on our manoeuvres. It will probably be more fun with less wind at the end of the week.

Young GKSS sailor Anna Kjellberg (SWE) , who gained access to the race through a wild card, sailed excellent and did not hesitate to challenge the sailing stars. She won her last race against Danish Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen (DEN).

- We’re here to learn, said Anna. My team and I are not used to the waves here so we had a crew member in the bow reporting how the waves would hit us, thereby allowing me to steer perfectly.

On Tuesday morning the women’s racing will continue. Later that day, at 2 pm, the men will enter the contest in Open class.

Match Cup Sweden, Women Monday, June 30th, 2008

Flight 1
Anna Kjellberg (SWE) – Linda Rahm (SWE) 0-1
Sandy Hayes (USA) – Katie Spithill (AUS) 0-1
Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN) – Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen (DEN) 0-1
Jenny Axhede (SWE) – Claire Leroy (FRA) 1-0

Flight 2
Claire Leroy (FRA) - Anna Kjellberg (SWE) 1-0
Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen (DEN) - Sandy Hayes (USA) 1-0
Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN) - Katie Spithill (AUS) 1-0
Jenny Axhede (SWE) - Linda Rahm (SWE) 1-0

Flight 3
Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen (DEN) - Anna Kjellberg (SWE) 0-1
Claire Leroy (FRA) - Sandy Hayes (USA) 1-0
Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN) - Linda Rahm (SWE) 0-1
Jenny Axhede (SWE) - Katie Spithill (AUS) 1-0