Slingsby and Thompson tied

After day two of the D-One Gold Cup on Lake Garda

Spectators on Lake Garda on Friday afternoon were treated to an exceptional performance from Australian Laser ace Tom Slingsby. In the day's first race and with the southerly breeze blowing 16 knots, Slingsby was able to recover from a capsize in the first run, while he was in the lead. His exceptional speed in the second run and his perfect tactics in the final run allowed him to recover three spots and win the race. This was another proof of this top-notch sailor's skills. When Slingsby capsized, Andrea Casale took the leader, only to be overtaken at the second weather mark. “These guys sail like crazy,” said Casale, “I gave it my best. I have to admit that sailing against them is indeed a pleasure!” Casale finally was third, behind Slingsby and Thompson. Among the remaining Italian skippers, Giuseppe Pontremoli finished seventh.

In the second race, the Ora had dropped to 12 knots, but this didn't take away the excitement from the fight between Thompson and Slingsby. This time it was the British sailor that got the upper hand after he passed the Australian on the second beat. Third was another Brit, Giles Scott, the current European Finn champion. Fourth place went to Andrea Casale and Croatia's Ivan Gaspic finished fifth. Among the other Italian skippers, Giorgio Poggi and Fabio Tocolli were, respectively, seventh and eighth while ninth place went to Uberto Crivelli Visconti.

After four races with one discard, Nick Thompson is sitting at the top of the overall leaderboard (1-2-2-1) with 4 points, tied with Tom Slingsby (3-1-1-2). Giles Scott is third (2-4-4-3), Andrea Casale fourth (4-3-3-4) while fifth place goes to another British skipper, Charlie Cumbley. Among the Italians, Fabio Toccoli is eighth (10-8-12-8), Giorgio Poggi ninth (DNF-7-19-7) and Riccardo Pontremoli is tenth (8-11-22-14).

“It's been a really tough day,” admitted Tom Slingsby. “I capsized halfway down the first run in a gybe close to the rocks. I was then able to recover thanks to my speed upwind with a strong breeze that today was clearly notable. It's a pure pleasure racing on this dinghy that blends the abilities of a hiking boat upwind with the speed and fun downwind.”

The Volvo Cup D-One, after the events in Alassio, Bracciano, Cattolica and Riva del Garda, will proceed to Marina di Scarlino in conjunction with the National Championship (16-18 September) and the Barcolina of Trieste (1-2 October).