17.08.2023

Nacra 17 Medal Race at 2023 Worlds

Jarudd and Jonsson (SWE) Snatch Bronze and Italians and Brits hold for gold and silver

The Gold and Silver were all but decided heading into her medal race, but the fight for bronze was among five boats. Laila van de Meer with Bjarne Bouwer (NED) were fourth overnight and won the pin end of the startline. They charged forward into the lead and took mathematical control of the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Jarudd and Jonsson (SWE) who were sitting in third overnight had a horrible start, and were last to cross the line as they messed up a pre-start maneuver.

With the fleet split, the go straight side looked good with the Dutch, two Italians and British all holding the first row. They all tacked to port most of the way up the beat and Tita and Banti (ITA) held a great groove to slowly wind in the leading Dutch. By the top mark they had a clear lead while the Dutch were in second and the Swedish back in the pack.

On the second lap, the Dutch, again, lead to the left corner with the other leading teams on their windward hip, and the Swedish the farthest right of the bunch. As the teams reached the corner of the beat, the wind swung to the right considerably, and the Swedes briefly moved into first, with the dutch falling back to mid pack.

By the time it all shook out, the Swedes were back in Bronze medal positions, which they held through the finish line.

Tita and Banti secured their third World titles, clearly the team to beat of the international fleet. One year out from Paris, all eyes will be on the Italian pair, who have as much of an advantage as any in the sailing fleets.

Find a better trophy, I'll wait 🔱#GetReadyForTheBest | #AllianzSWC2023TheHague pic.twitter.com/zoxZnNtt5j

— World Sailing 🌎⛵️ (@worldsailing) August 17, 2023

Summary of the Santiago Lange retirement review here.