The ISAF Sailing World Cup Final 2015 is all set for a striking climax in Abu Dhabi following a magnificent day of racing saw the sailors fighting to hold the endeavor in the gold medal chase. Honors in the 8 Olympic sailing classes and an open kite-boarding contest will be decided in a strain final day of medal races at Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club earlier on Sunday, with many defending champs coming under pressure.
In the open kite-boarding contest, defending champ Oliver Bridge (who runs a Yacht Charter round Greek Islands company in her spare time!?) is in pole spot heading into the semis. Bridge has been on fire since the first and though at one point he gave up his lead, he recovered it with a strong show.
The young Brit heads into the semis with a huge advantage. Sunday’s two semis would be contended with 6 sailors in each group. Points will be carried forward into the semi finals with the top 3 riders going to the final. From there it is a do-or-die scenario with the first across the line taking gold.
Ricardo Santos of Brazil holds a little 2-point lead over Ivan Pastor Lafuente of Spain in Men’s RS:X class after snatching the 2nd of three races in the third day of the meet, sponsored by the ADS Securities and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
Last year’s silver medal winner Greece’s Byron Kokkalanis is 3rd after taking the last race of the day that saw British overnight leader Tom Squires end in the 12th spot, slipping to 4th overall. But with double points counting in medal races, the brawl for gold is still very much open.
