Newport, RI
October 13, 2007

Today’s three-race schedule at the US Sailing Olympic Selection Trials for the Laser Radial Class proved to be eventful, but it turned out to be a good day for me as I maintained my four-point lead over Paige Railey. We have now sailed 14 of 16 races in this series.

Surfing downwind - - - Photo: Amory Ross

The next race was even flukier. It was very light. Paige fouled me just before the start and had to perform her two penalty turns. Then, coming off the line she capsized, while doing a roll-tack, I think. I was too busy to pay much attention as I trailed a couple of boats up the first weather leg to round the top mark in third place. I finally caught the leaders on the second beat and forged ahead to win that one. Anne Haeger was second. Paige did a good job to claw her way back to third.

The breeze shifted and picked up for the last race of the day to 14-15 knots. I made a couple of silly mistakes early in the leg and was in fourth again at the weather mark. I was still fourth as we rounded the second windward mark. I overtook third-placed Maggie Shea on the reach but then I capsized. Maggie got ahead again but I caught back up and climbed back into third before the end of the run, only to hit the leeward mark. Maggie passed me as I was completing my penalty turn but I was just able to catch her right at the finish and to claim third place. Sarah Lihan won this race while Paige was second. Talk about an eventful race! It felt like I was trying to give that place away.

The scores for the top five placers are: 1. Anna Tunnicliffe, 20 points; 2. Paige Railey, 24; 3. Sarah Lihan, 52; 4. Anne Haeger, 62; Katie Maxim, 78.

It looks like a bright and chilly day for the last day of competition. The Race Committee is planning a 1000 hours start to racing and the forecast calls for northwesterly breezes around 15 to 20 knots by noon, moving a little more to the north and moderating later in the day.