Day two of the Laser 4.7 world championship in Holland yesterday dawned bright and sunny, but it was with a forecast for worsening weather that an apprehensive group of sailors left the beach for the schedule of two races.

Fortunately the worst of the weather didn’t arrive until all the sailors were off the water that meant another good day’s racing in winds of Force 3-4. Both fleets managed to fit in two races with only a 15 degree shift causing a 10-minute postponement while the course was adjusted. Tonci Stiponovic from Croatia is still on top with only a second place in the opening race tarnishing his otherwise perfect score. However, it remains to be seen if he can continue his form in the lighter conditions forecast for the end of the week, when the fleet will be split into Gold and Silver groups. Another 19 sailors were picked up by the eagle eyed jury for Rule 42 infringements (pumping and rocking), but with all sailors taking their penalties disqualifications were avoided. The daily prize giving hosted by the French coach was followed by an evening of Sumo wrestling!! Each nation volunteered a sailor to wrestle on their behalf. Top match of the evening had to be Croatia v Team GBR, but it was the Polish who squeezed to the top to win the evening’s prize of a Laser trolley. The overnight forecast of Force 7 and rain should have abated by the morning to allow the sailors the final day of qualification sailing before the fleets are separated to Gold and Silver, if racing goes to plan Thursday will be a well earned rest day with the prospect of a trip to Amsterdam.

Overall Results (after four races)

1st Tonci Stipanovic CRO

2nd Milosz Landowski POL

3rd Daniel Michelic CRO

4th Stefano Meciani ITA

5th Dennis Karpak EST

6th Colin Robaard NED

7th Jean Baptiste Bernaz FRA

8th Steven Krol NED

9th Milos Di Ilasio ITA

10th Ates Ginar TUR