Perfect Conditions for the First Day of the Womens Match Racing Worlds

Claire Leroy (Fra), Mermaid Sailing Team, reigning World Champion wins four matches out of five sailed today. Image copyright Dan Ljungsvik/LWM.

by Josefine Ås

A very tight start field put on a great show during the first day of the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship in Lysekil, Sweden.

Five skippers, Claire LEROY (FRA), Katie SPITHILL (AUS), Camilla ULRIKKEHOLM (DEN), Anna KJELLBERG (SWE) and Marie BJORLING (SWE) have taken the lead with four matches won out of five in the first Round Robin.

The World Championship started in perfect conditions. In blue skies and southwesterly winds at around 15 knots, the world’s foremost female match racing teams gave the many spectators action packed sailing with tough manoeuvres pushing the boats to their maximum. The excitement kept on going all day long with tight racing to the last match of the day.


Anna Kjellberg (SWE), Carpe Diem Beds Sailing Team, wins four out of five sailed matches. Image copyright Dan Ljungsvik/LWM.

“Today’s sailing proves even more that many teams are able to win. The competition is closer than previous years,” said defending World Champion LEROY who lost one match today against Swedish local BJÖRLING.

BJÖRLING is having a successful comeback after a two-year break, showing great form.

“We sailed fast, handled the boat well, and made good tactical decisions,” said BJÖRLING, who was happy to start the regatta by beating the World Champion LEROY and Lucy MACGREGOR (GBR), ranked #3 on ISAF Women’s World Ranking list.


Marie Björling (SWE), Team Björling, leads the way against Lucy McGregor (GBR), Skandia Team. Image copyright Dan Ljungsvik/LWM.

Results

Round Robin
(After 5 of 11 flights)

Marie BJORLING (SWE), 4-1
Claire LEROY (FRA), 4-1
Anna KJELLBERG (SWE), 4-1
Katie SPITHILL (AUS), 4-1
Camilla ULRIKKEHOLM (DEN), 4-1
Lotte MELDGAARD PEDERSEN (DEN), 3-2
Silke HAHLBROCK (GER), 2-3
Sally BARKOW (USA), 2-3
Lucy MACGREGOR (GBR), 1-4
Linda RAHM (SWE), 1-4
Nicole SOUTER (AUS), 1-4
Christelle PHILIPPE (FRA), 0-5

ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship 2009/Lysekil Women's Match