Sailors take to Muri today

Thursday 9: Sailing got off to a great start in Rarotonga at Muri lagoon yesterday with a gentle breeze. First out of the blocks was the 4.7 laser class with two flights of six boats and full entries from the best 12 young sailors in the Cooks.

Israel Miles of Vaka Takitumu, who has recently returned from New Zealand for the school holidays, took out the first two races for in this class, with Taylor Mehaffey from Takitumu, in second place, in ‘flight one’ Mareko Davis won both races in ‘flight two’ while David Paulo and Danique van Wijk are running second equal. Manea zone sailors from Aitutaki Sailing Club are well placed to make up ground in these early days of the three day competition.

Next up was the standard rig laser (men’s class) with five experienced sailors taking on the course.

Aquila Tatira, Junior Charlie and Taua Elisa fought it out for the top three places. This class should provide some fascinating entertainment and close racing for the remaining two days.

The radial rig saw only three entrants take part -- Teau McKenzie for Te Au O Tonga, Helema William for Purapura zone and Anne Tierney for Takitumu.

McKenzie took out both races, with the second resulting in a thrilling finish with only a matter of centimetres separating Teau and Helema on the line.

Racing resumes at Muri at 9am today with the radial fleet up first followed by the standard rig then the 4.7 group.

Racing continues on Saturday with the medal ceremony taking place at Muri.- SCI