Westerhof/Berkhout Turn Dominance Into Early Medals

The 2012 Semaine Olympique Francaise is a done deal for the Netherlands’ Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout who have an unassailable 26 point lead heading into the Women's 470 Medal Race after big winds and waves swept across Hyeres on Thursday’s day 5 of racing.

The Dutch pair have been impressive in Hyeres and lead France's Camille Lecointre/Mathilde Géron (FRA). The French duo have steadily climbed up the leader board throughout the week in their last Olympic selection observation regatta for the French Women's 470 spot at London 2012.

"We have sailed a really good series with a very solid performance. No ups and downs, resulting in the fact that we are leading with more than 20 points. That is a really nice feeling, we want to do that again this year," Berkhout said with a big smile.

The battle for Silver will be tight in tomorrow's Medal Race, with teams placed second to fifth within five points. The strong Japanese team of Ai Kondo/Wakako Tabata and last year’s winners Tara Pacheco/Berta Betanzos (ESP) have won a race each and will be fierce opponents for the French in their quest for Silver.

With two victories in today's races, Mat Belcher and Malcolm Page (AUS) clearly enjoyed the wind and waves and extended their lead to 18 points over European champions Sime Fantela and Igor Marenic (CRO). "470s can take on most conditions and the boats lived up to that today," said Page. "It was pretty extreme out there, though nothing we haven't experienced in Australia and it was actually quite enjoyable, especially when you're leading."

The Coster brothers (NED) are placed third and have at the same time secured their NOC nomination for the Olympic Games.

The forecast for the last day of racing in Hyères is for very strong winds once again which may jeopardise the Medal Races.
Semaine Olympique Francaise Website

More Information:
Event Website
470 Men Results
470 Women Results
470 Facebook Photo Gallery
ISAF Sailing World Cup News

Image: Lisa Westerhof/Lobke Berkhout (NED) © Thom Touw

Source: Corinne McKenzie