Spanish extend

As British sailors are hit hard on the penultimate day of racing at the 49er Worlds

Consistent sailing in the 49er fleet by Iker Martinez and Xabier Fernandez have given them a 22 point lead over the fleet with Manu Dyen and Stephane Christidis jumping from fifth yesterday to second overall today in the Worlds. The British squad who yesterday held second (Pink/Peacock), third (Morrison/Rhodes) and fourth (Brotherton/Asquith) have now moved to 6th, 7th and 8th respectively with teammates Dylan Fletcher and Alain Sign having a spectacular day leapfrogging from 8th yesterday to 3rd at the end of the day.

Only seven minutes separated the leaders and tail-enders in the 10-14 knot day. The Race Committee has been stellar, despite a postponement at a start due to an unexpected swim by the IRO. All fleets are caught up with two races scheduled for the final day before the medal race to be held in the afternoon.

On the 29er course, French sailors Kevin Fisher and Glenn Gouron are leading after an excellent second race leading by two thirds of a leg. They pulled ahead in the points with three discards factored in giving them a 23 point lead ahead of the Argentine team of Pepe Bettini and Fernando Gwozdz, who also sailed a great day. Danish sailors Oscar Haumann and Taus Holtug have sailed into third overall with Nahuel Martinez and Axel Vugdelija of Argentina just one point behind in 4th.

A change in the weather is anticipated with stronger winds predicted.