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Access Liberty Kiwi Cup Day 4 Report

3rd February 2009

Access Liberty Kiwi Cup Day 4 Report news article

Here we go again, Liberty Sailors - Report from Day 4. Richard

David's Report:

Kiwi Cup – Day Four Report
Gold Fleet Finals Underway
30/1/09

The Gold Fleet sailors today commenced their two days of finals to decide the Access Liberty and IFDS Single-Person World Championships.

A south-westerly of 12-15 knots held for most of the day, enabling the race committee to complete the scheduled four races. The tidal stream increased from 1 to 2 knots during the program.

Heat one was shaping up to be the expected battle between the two top ranked competitors coming out of separate qualification fleets. Experienced 2.4mR sailor from Christchurch, Andrew May, started the final series 2 points ahead of current Liberty World Champion, Joshua-McKenzie-Brown from Auckland. The pair kept together off the start line and were first and second around the first mark, but McKenzie-Brown dropped down into the fleet on the second beat thanks to a plastic bag wrapped around his keel. But May was to have his day spoilt too. Tim Dempsey (NZL) sailed the right of the course out of the tide, managing to build a comfortable lead and led home May and Chris Cook (AUS). McKenzie Brown finished an unwelcome 13th.

In heat 2, May and McKenzie-Brown went head to head once more, occasionally match racing, at other times breaking away to find better wind or tide. Barry Coates (AUS), who finished 4th on the first heat, looked intent on spoiling both their days, but in the end had to be satisfied with a 3rd placing watching May beat McKenzie-Brown to the line.

McKenzie-Brown was on the pace in race 3 and May was struggling down in the fleet. The Australian pair of Barry Coates and Chris Cook were closing in, but the local managed to fend off their challenges. May finished a disappointing 9th.

In the final race, McKenzie-Brown dominated and was followed over the finish line by Barry Coates (AUS), Tim Dempsey and Andrew May (NZL). McKenzie-Brown now has a 1 point margin over May going into the final day of racing tomorrow. Coates is another 7 points adrift.

Sailability Auckland is hosting the inaugural Glenn Family Foundation Kiwi Cup this week with racing being conducted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. The IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championship, 2009, Single Person Keelboat (Non-Technical) is being held concurrently with an Access Liberty Open World Championship and Access Liberty Servo World Championship.

ENDS

David Staley
T : +61428514058
E: david@accessclass.org
W: www.accessclass.org


Click this link to see the Gold Fleet Results Day 4


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