For the first time this week, the classic Lake Thoune thermic wind (10 – 15 knts) blew yesterday afternoon at the Star Eastern Hemisphere Championship on Lake Thoune, Switzerland.

Usually, the right side of the course is favoured, but local knowledge of wind shifts proved to be an advantage as the seven Swiss teams finished in the top-ten.

Winners of race four are the young Danes Christian Monberg / Martin Leifelt, who, after a 30-second lead at the first windward mark, had finally to defend their lead in an infight with Philipp Rotermund / Nils Hollweg GER. With an attack on the opposite side of the course, Arie van Harwegen NED with his US-crew Brad Nichols climbed from rank sixth to third at the finish.

The day was difficult for the three overall leading teams. Already at the first windward mark, they found themselves amongst the backmarkers.

Two more races will be sailed today and Saturday, and it is expected that the weather will be similar to today.