Second is the New First
“They have a different gear than the rest of us. They are good at swapping modes.” – Carson Crane, USA34.
Crane’s understated assessment of Tita/Banti (ITA) after the Italian’s 2, 1, 1 finishes expresses the collective truth that this team is not letting up at this European Championship.
So let’s talk about today’s standouts!
Sinem Kurtbay had a great day. She was alone this morning, walking slowly but purposefully along the bulkhead with not a boat in sight, swinging each arm slowly, alternating between the two. Focused, relaxed, she glanced at the water and started her day. It would be her best since the start of this championship where she and crew Akseli Keskinen climbed to 6th, well within striking distance of the podium.
Kurtbay/Keskinen (FIN) were one of the most successful teams, with an impressive 3, 3, 6 in the wild conditions of the day. With violent puffs that literally blew some Nacra 17s off their foils, the racing was dramatic to say the least.
As impressive a result was the 1, 4, 4, posted by the young Italian team of Ugolini/Giubilei who sailed their way into 4th. Working hard to be noticed in a national team that boasts the current Olympic champions and two world championship titles, there’s a lot more to come from the pair.
Two more days of racing are in store with a forecast of more brilliant sunshine and strong winds on the Bay of Aarhus. Though there may be Italian writing on the wall as the medal race looms on Sunday, there’s plenty of room for podium dreams in this powerful fleet of athletes.
