Dream start for sailors

The Cook Islands womens sailing duo of Helema Williams and Teau McKenzie are on fire at the Pacific Games in New Caledonia.

On day one of racing shifty winds proved a challenge for McKenzie who had a shocker first race.

We had really shifty winds that were coming over the top and sides, says McKenzie.

But when the winds picked up in the second race McKenzie found her groove and raced to second place in the womens laser division.

In the same race fellow sailor Helema Williams had a dream start placing 2nd in the first race and 1st ahead of McKenzie in the second race.

It was a great day and I look forward to todays (Tuesday) racing.

McKenzie was also looking forward to the afternoons races as she said the fickle winds on day one helped her understand the winds on the short course better.

Now I know how the winds are I wont make the same mistake, commented McKenzie.

Hobie Cat sailors Aquila Tatira and Tanus Henry raced on Tuesday morning while Taua Elisa and Junior Charlie are due to race their second day of the laser standard class on Wednesday.

In total the sailors will compete in 14 races of which their two worst results will be removed for a final score.