Home favourite Markus WIESER led the charged into the semi-finals at the ISAF Grade 2 Berlin Match Race.
Although Saturday remained grey and the sailors were accompanied by a constant drizzle, there were suitable conditions for all necessary flights to be completed.
Due to fairly constant wind forces, despite some unexpected changes in direction, the second match day was completed without major problems. A cold, yet exciting day for both spectators and competitors. Two large pleasure boats were provided by Riedel, supplying spectator spaces for over 1,000 onlookers.
Ian AINSLIE (RSA), the two Danes
Jesper RADICH and
Michael HESTBEK, the Frenchman
Damien IEHL, the Finn
Staffan LINDBERG as well as the cup defender
Markus WIESER (GER) qualified themselves for the second round robin. From these six, WIESER, RADICH, HESTBAEK and IEHL made their way through to the semi-final stage.
The matches in the round robin proved demonstrated the strength of the field in Berlin, and set the scene for a series of nerve-wracking matches on Sunday. All of the four qualified competitors have confirmed that they possess the talent to compete in the 16th Berlin Match Race finals on Sunday, making it incredibly difficult to predict a winner.
Berlin Match Race -
www.berlin-match-race.de