PHYSICAL LIMITS PUSHED AT HEMPEL WORLD CUP SERIES ENOSHIMA
29 Aug 2019The physical limits of the 496 sailors from 46 nations racing at the Hempel World Cup Series regatta in Enoshima, Japan were pushed on Thursday as big waves rolled through Sagami Bay.
With thousands of miles of the Pacific Ocean to the East and South of Enoshima, coupled with deep waters around Sagami Bay, the waves have plenty of time to build to a rolling swell. The sailors contested 2.5m high waves with regularity and ensured that each and every one had a stern test on the water.
The powerful rolling waves, combined with a stiff south westerly 20-25 knot breeze, meant that capsizes were plentiful with many sailors unable to finish some of their races due to breakages.
Despite this, every fleet sailed a good number of races to get the competition back on track after light breeze on day one and too much on the second.
Mat Belcher and Will Ryan (AUS) are the masters of 470 sailing in strong wind and big waves. That statement was confirmed on Thursday as they recorded two race wins and a second to grab the lead the 32-boat fleet. Jordi Xammar and Nicholás Rodriguez (ESP) won the days other race and are in second.
In the Women's 470, Nia Jerwood and Monique de Vries (AUS) advanced to lead the fleet following a 4-2-2 scoreline. They are five points clear of Elena Berta and Bianca Caruso (ITA). Race wins went to Mengxi Wei and Haiyan Gao (CHN), Berta and Caruso as well as Benedetta Di Salle and Alessandra Dubbini (ITA).
Racing resumes on Friday 30 August at 12:00 local time. The forecast is for further strong winds and two metre waves.
How to follow:
EVENT WEBSITE
Click here for further information on Enoshima and the Hempel World Cup Series -
https://wcs-enoshima.org/
ENTRIES / RESULTS / SCHEDULE
Click here to view the entry list in full.
Results will be available here -
http://sailing.org/worldcup/results/index.php
To view the full schedule click here.
WATCH
Daily highlights and live streamed Medal Races on Saturday and Sunday will be available across the World Sailing Network.
Sunday Medal Races - 470 -
https://youtu.be/DwMBD476ybI
SAP SAILING ANALYTICS
Live tracking, sailor analytics, live weather data and racing status will be available on the SAP Sailing Analytics here -
https://hwcs2020-round1.sapsailing.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow the event on World Sailing's social networks and get involved in the conversation using
#hwcsenoshima
Source: World Sailing