First Day Of Racing In The Ora

280 Sailors sailed two races yesterday as the Laser 4.7 Championships kicked off in Riva Del Garda. The strong Ora produced some competitive racing, manifesting itself in some hard work for the International Jury at the end of the day.

Two races were sailed and the fleet of 280 were split into four groups of seventy for the heat stages of the regatta. South African sailor Justin ONVLEE pulled off a perfect day at the office in the typically rampant Garda conditions to finish with two first places, heading up the rankings going into the second day of heats. Dany SATNISIC (CRO), nearly emulated his Southa African rivals score and posted a second and a first to sit just behind Onvlee. The third spot on the podium is currently held by Turkish Laser sailor Serkan YAPAN, sitting just one point behind second with four points overall.

First Italian was Anita DI IASIO, who lies seventh in the overall results after the first day of racing. She also holds the current accolade of first girl in the huge fleet.

Racing on day one was characterized by a force 5/6 Ora but flat conditions for the youngsters on the race course. Sailing a regular, outer loop trapezoid course, the first reach is providing for some fast, physycal sailing.

Racing continues until Saturday 24 July when the World and European Champions will be crowned.

Full results are available on the event website at the address below.

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