The Cayard Chronicles - 2004 Olympics: Race Day 2 - Star Class
Athens August 22nd, 2004

Tough Day at the office for USA. In the first race we did two 720's at the windward mark (Penalty turns-4 complete circles), and fell into a hole on the last beat and got left for dead. In the second race we were over the line early at the pin end, we realized that it was us and went back. We managed to claw our way back to 10th in that one. Meanwhile Torben Grael of Brazil won both races and is launched into the lead.

The circumstances surrounding the 720's were petty in my opinion. It is not normal Star class racing out here. Basically, some competitors are looking to "catch" people in a foul which is not the norm in the Star class. These are not the long time Star sailors. Anyway, we learned to be aware today.

Our speed was good all day. We approached the first windward mark in a clear 3rd and in the last 300 yards there was a shift that put a clump of boats, that we were previously clear of, into the picture. That was a bit unlucky, but still I did not deal with the situation properly. In the second race we moved through the fleet well. So that is the good news to take forward.

4 down 7 races to go. A lot of things will happen between now and next Saturday. We just have to stay on our toes.

The Positions as best I can recall: 1) BRA 11, 2) DEN 20, 3) SUI 21, 4) CAN 25, 5) ESP 26, 6) ITA 31, 7) USA 32, 8) GBR 32, 9) FRA 33, 10) AUS 39

Tomorrow is supposed to be big breeze so we will see what happens. Could be too much to race initially.
Paul Cayard