Men's Race 4 at these RS:X European Championships had 2506 pairs of eyes glued to their computers worldwide. For the first time in this regatta, local favorite Shahar Zubari (ISR 11) was pushed out of the leading group. The French team were demonstrating their power and strength. Samuel Launay (FRA112) lead by almost two minutes.
Alexandre Guyader (FRA7), back to the RS:X from the Tornado class, was in a close second with Nicholas Huiguet (FRA8) in third. These two were fighting it out with Nimmrod Mashiah (ISR21) who was pushing hard for his first top 3 finish in a major championship.
The experience of the French Trio paid off in the end. Nimrod who had lead round mark 4 at the bottom of the 'inner loop' slipped to second at the top mark. He held on round the wing mark and all the way down to mark 3. But Then Alexandre and Nicholas were closing all the time with Nicholas leading the chase.
In the slalom section, just before the finish, Alexandre Guyader (FRA7) powered through to take second 2# 100ths in front of Nicholas Huguet (FRA8) who took Nimrod at the last gasp. An exciting race for all the spectators wherever they may be in the world!
Sidebar: Shahar Zubari (ISR 11) had a nightmare race. Deep in the pack at mark 1, which he rounded in 30th position. He was making no real progress for most of the race. Rounding the wing mark (2) for the last time in 29th, he put his all in to the last downwind. Passing 16 boards before he crossing the finishing line in 13th. For sure, this will be his discard!
Racing starts at 1300hrs today. Forecast light winds....