Leading RS:X Windsurfer, Tom Ashley, on Day Nine in Qingdao

Comments from Tom Ashley after day nine…

“Breeze on today! We sailed two races in 17-23 knots with big waves and frequent rain squalls. Epic sailing conditions!

“I posted a 5th and a 3rd to take the series lead from Julien Bontemps (FRA) and Shahar Zubari (ISR).

“The first race got off to a pretty bad beginning as I chose the wrong end of the start line and struggled to get going on the first upwind. I passed a bunch of boards on the first downwind and a couple more on each leg to end up fifth in the race, just ahead of rivals Zubari and Nick Dempsey (GBR).

“The second race went much better for me. I had a great start and was with the leaders for the whole race, sailing conservatively and not having to take any risks to catch up. I rounded the top mark 7th and improved to 3rd as the race went on and a few guys made mistakes.

“The race committee was planning on holding a third race for us today, but in the end they decided against it. It would have been nice to do another one in those conditions!

“Tomorrow's forecast is for good breeze in the early morning which should back off as the day goes on. We are scheduled to do three races starting at 1100, but in Qingdao you never know whether racing will happen until the start gun goes, so we'll see!!!”

NZ Olympic Committee