The Women’s 470 team of Annie Haeger (East Troy, Wisc.) and Briana Provancha (San Diego, Calif.) reveled in a strong easterly breeze and choppy sea state in Hyères, and recorded a 5,1 scoreline on the day to assume the overall lead. Despite not having a clean start in either race, Haeger and Provancha were able to quickly recover and work their way up through the fleet. “One of our goals for this regatta was first beat tactics,” said Haeger. “We’ve been working hard on it, and today we saw again how valuable it is to have a good exit strategy off the line in case things don’t go exactly like you predict.” Haeger also noted that the influence of new coach and three-time 470 World Champion Dave Ullman (Newport Beach, Calif.) has already paid dividends, even after only a few days of working together. “On the first day, I actually took several pages of notes based on his thoughts after going out on the water for just 45 minutes. Not only does he have amazing 470 experience, but his tactical skills and weather knowledge are incredible. He is a huge help.”

In the Finn, Caleb Paine (San Diego, Calif.) came into today focused on avoiding big mistakes in the early part of his races. “Staying clear and waiting for the first shift was always the plan on the first beat,” said Paine. “Speed was also a major factor today. After the first shift it was a matter of playing the fleet and consolidating.” Paine finished 7,3 in two races today.

Today’s US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider photos: http://on.fb.me/1pnoqCI 

 

– 9th overall, Paige Railey (Clearwater, Fla.), US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider

– 32nd overall, Farrah Hall (Annapolis, Md.), US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider