Breezy day for Snipe Jr. World Championship

San Diego orders up a beautiful, breezy day for Snipe Jr. World Championship sailors on Day 3

San Diego, CA (August 26, 2009) – Racing in San Diego in August is usually tough because of abundant kelp and light breeze. Snipe junior sailors vying for the 20th biennial Snipe Jr. World Champion title are enjoying nothing of the sort, as today offered clear skies with steady wind speed. San Diego Yacht Club, the host of 21 international teams representing 11 countries, has taken advantage of the unseasonal conditions by running 2 more races today, bringing the race count to 8 of the 11 scheduled.

Races 7 and 8 both started clean in 12 – 14 knots of breeze from a West/Northwest direction. The 7th race saw yesterday’s regatta leaders finish at the top with Brazilian skipper Mario Tinoco and crew Matheus Gonçalves winning, followed by the Japanese team of skipper Norihiko Kiyama and crew Kenichi Inada. At the finish of the 7th race, the America’s Cup team BMW/Oracle, whose compound is near downtown San Diego, came by the windward end of the course giving spectators a peak as they headed in from practice.

The tight competition is exciting, and though the top two are extending their lead, third through sixth places are within 7 points of each other. With no room for mistakes, the American team of skipper Tyler Sinks and crew Shone Bowman took race 8, keeping them in 3rd place for the regatta, with 3 more races to go. - http://www.snipeworlds2009.com/