The controversial Race one in the Men's Mistral fleet, which was abandoned after a protest was resailed today on course area B following the culmination of the day's racing in the 49er fleet.
Ironically, it was again Atlanta Gold medallist Nikos KAKALAMANAKIS(GRE) who repeated his performance in the first sail by winning the resail. The conditions today were perfect for Mistral racing. A 12-knot sea breeze, which the 49ers had completed their final race in, was an ideal sea breeze on the Saronic Gulf.
Kakalamanakis, after a good start, sailed all the way up the left hand side of the beat to take advantage of the stronger breeze, but despite this, he was beaten to the first windward mark by four other athletes. Nick DEMPSEY (GBR) led the charge, followed by Andreas CARIOLOU (CYP) and Lars KLEPPICH (AUS). By using his renowned downwind ability, Kakalamanakis took a flyer and proceeded to pick up to second by the end of the first run, eventually overtaking Dempsey on the last leg to the finish. Cariolou held on to take third, whilst favourite Julien BONTEMPS (FRA) recovered from a poor start and first beat to finish fifth.
Prezmyslaw MIARCZYNSKI (POL), is doing everything asked of him and in the second race, race three of the series, leading almost all the way he sailed the first beat on the left and rounded the first windward mark in second place behind Tom ASHLEY (NZL). Pont's dominance on the run proved too much for Ashley and he succumbed to the superior speed by the end of the first run.
Pont went on to extend his lead and eventually finished the race a full 27 seconds ahead of second place. Having led the race early on, Ashley also lost out to Ricardo SANTOS (BRA), who seems to be getting stronger and faster by the day.
After three races Prezmyslaw MIARCZYNSKI leads the standings, currently counting two first place finishes and a sixth. Racing is to continue with a full program tomorrow.
ISAF (Source: INFO 2004), 18 August 2004: http://www.sailing.org/olympics2004/EventHome.asp?id=mistralmen
