Defenders lead

Barkow, Howe and Capozzi are leading the Yngling World Cahmpionship after the first day

It was business as usual for the reigning world champions at the Yngling World Championship. Sally Barkow, Carrie Howe and Debbie Capozzi are currently leading the fleet after a solid first day.

Racing began in sunny weather with a light breeze from the south west. Of the 37 Ynglings many teams had been out training in La Rochele, France in the build up to the event. This was a big advantage as the tricky conditions made local knowledge a key factor.

Most of the fleet got away cleanly following an individual recall at the start and defending champions, Barkow, Howe and Capozzi shot straight to the front of the fleet, leading round the windward mark. Another top team in the shape of Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Victoria Rawlinson were chasing hard in second position.

On the way to the leeward mark the Brits just managed to sqeeze into the lead, rounding just ahead of the Americans. La Rochelle locals, Anne Le Helley, Marion Deplanque and Catherine Lepesant pushed their way through the fleet after an average start to take third plce for the final run. The three top teams gave spectators a fantastic display as they engaged in a three way gybing dual down the final leg with the Brits managing to hold first, the Americans second and the French third.

In the second race Barkow showed that consistency is the name of the game sailing to a well deserved second place, just behind 2002 World Champions Monica Azon, Sandra Azon and Graciela Pisonero. With Mandy Mulder Marye Faber Floortje Hendriksen rounding out the top three.

Results:

Pos	Helm	Crew	Crew	Nationality	R1	R2	Tot
1	Sally BARKOW	Carrie HOWE	Debbie CAPOZZI	USA	2	2	4
2	Sarah AYTON	Sarah WEBB	Victoria RAWLINSON	GBR	1	7	8
3	Anne LE HELLEY	Marion DEPLANQUE	Catherine LEPESANT	FRA	3	5	8
4	Monica AZON	Sandra AZON	Graciela PISONERO	ESP	9	1	10
5	Mandy MULDER	Marye FABER	Floortje HENDRIKSEN	NED	7	3	10
6	Ruslana TARAN	Anna KALININA	Svetlana MATEVUSHEVA	UKR	4	8	12
7	Annie-Claire LE BERRE	Julie GERECHT	Alice PONSAR	FRA	6	6	12
8	Janeke HIN	Annemieke BES	Petronella DE JONG	NED	13	4	17
9	Trine PALLUDAN	Maria GADE	Ida HARTVIG	DEN	5	12	17
10	Carol CRONIN	Kimberly COURANZ	Margaret PODLICH	USA	8	15	23