NZ's Slater takes mid-way lead in Finn World Championship race

Jul 9th, 2009
Shifting winds around the Danish coastline have worked to the advantage of Dan Slater, who has emerged as the leader at the half-way point of the Finn World Championship yachting event.

With two more races to go before medal races begin on Sunday, New Zealand yachtsman Slater looks on track to go one better than last time round, when he bagged the silver medal, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Two consecutive third-placed finished, followed up by a 20th finish have been enough to propel the yachtsman into joint second-place, alongside America's Zach Riley on 32 points at the mid-way point of the prestigious event.

At the end of the day's racing, Slater explained that he now hopes to capitalize on his lead, particularly if he gets the opportunity to make use of his light air sails in the 12-14 knots of wind currently being experienced in the Danish waters.

"Although my day wasn't great it wasn't that bad either as overall, I now have the lead and will carry the leader's yellow dot on my sail tomorrow," he told the newspaper.

This year, some 98 sailors from 30 different nations are taking part in the Finn World Championship, with keen yachtsman Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark the patron of the main event, the Finn Gold Cup.