July 15, 2022
2 minutes reading time
Star Sailors League: Ukraine and South Africa on the march
On Day 2 of SSL Gold Cup QS Round 5, both Group 7 and Group 8 raced one race in dream conditions. SSL Team Ukraine and SSL Team South Africa made the best of them by winning and taking the lead of their respective group.
QS5 Group 7 – Day 2: Superb South Africa
After a tightly contested opening day that saw SSL Team Malaysia top the group by a single point, the stage was set for another tense encounter on Day 2. However, the South Africans broke the tension early, dominating Race 3 from the off.
SSL Team South Africa struck back to post their second win of the campaign. SSL Team Malaysia, unable to answer this time, sailed across the line in second place. SSL Team India trailed further behind in third.
As is often the case in sailing, the start proved to be the decisive moment. ’Ubuntu’, captained by three-time Olympian Ian Ainslie, and SSL Team Malaysia stalked each other closely as the clock ticked down. The Monsoon tried to control the South Africans and force them wide of the pin, but SSL Team South Africa squeezed through the gap.
From there there was no looking back as Ubuntu stamped their authority on Race 3, taking victory with a commanding performance.
Take two tomorrow
Despite another disappointing day for SSL Team India, they will take comfort in only being 3 points behind their leading rivals. With two races expected on Saturday, the table can still be turned on its head.
QS5 Group 8 – Day 2: Ukraine on the move
After a topsy-turvy first day for their rivals, SSL Team Thailand led the overnight standings by virtue of two steady second place finishes. But despite taking another ‘silver’ today, it would not be enough to keep their crown.
After a tight and frantic opening leg in which the Asian teams took turns to attack each other, the door opened for Ihor Matviienko’s ‘Haydamaky’ to take control of the race.
With the Ukrainians comfortable out in front, a tense three-way battle for second place was hotting up behind. SSL Team Singapore and SSL Team Thailand traded places several times, while a gamble to the right hand side from the trailing SSL Team Korea allowed them to close in.
With only seconds separating the three boats on the final approach, ’Chang Thai’ timed their gybe to perfection, controlling both their rivals and ensuring the extra points would be theirs.
Super Saturday
With two races expected tomorrow, everything can change for all four teams in Group 8. For bottom SSL Team Korea, it would be the perfect time to post a maiden victory.
Text and images courtesy of Star Sailors League