49er and 49erFX Worlds underway for NZL Sailing Team crews

The 2013 49er and 49erFX World Championships are underway in Marseille, France. With day one of six completed the young NZL Sailing Team crew of Marcus Hansen and Josh Porebski has had a dream start and they share the lead after two bullets today.

“Great start for us over in Marseille coming away with two firsts in the blue fleet. Early days yet but a good way to kick things off,” report Hansen and Porebski. “Breeze looks pretty similar for tomorrow 5-7 knots.”

2012 Olympic silver medallists Peter Burling and Blair Tuke were 4^th and 7^th on the water today and at this early stage hold 9^th overall in the 95 boat men’s fleet.

Alex Maloney and Molly Meech, one of two crews representing New Zealand in the Women’s 49erFX, are in 14^th position placing 7^th and 10^th in today’s two races.

“Stressful first day, as we realized we were not competing in the World Championship for the greatest comebacks,” says Maloney and Meech. “Starts are priority tomorrow! But you gotta be in it to win it, and there's plenty more sailing to come.”

Racing runs for six days with the world titles for the Olympic skiff classes set to be decided on Sunday 29^th September.

49er and 49erFX World Championships
New Zealand’s standings after day one

Men’s 49er -95 boats
1^st = Marcus Hansen and Josh Porebski (NZL Sailing Team) – 2 points
9^thPeter Burling and Blair Tuke (NZL Sailing Team) – 11 points
36^th Ben Goodwin and Sam Bullock – 29 points

Women’s 49erFX – 53 boats
14^th Alex Maloney and Molly Meech – 17 points
38^th Erica Dawson and Ellie Copeland – 40 points

Links:
Regatta website
Event Schedule, Overview and Media Coverage information

Yachting New Zealand website
NZL Sailing Team on Facebook
NZL Sailing Team sailor profiles

About the NZL Sailing Team

NZL Sailing Team includes New Zealand’s top Olympic campaigners who share the ultimate goal to win Olympic medals for New Zealand at the Rio Games in 2016.

NZL Sailing Team sailors all started out at grass roots yacht clubs around the country and with commitment, dedication and drive have risen to be world class athletes; they work hard in the gym, train long hours on the water and are supported by great coaches.

For more information contact

Jodie Bakewell-White
Communications Manager, Yachting New Zealand
E. jodie@yachtingnz.org.nz
M. 021 709 065