Howth Yacht Club teen Aoife Hopkins has taken a lead over Dun Laoghaire's Annalise Murphy (25) after the second day of the Laser World Championships in Mexico. The 17–year–old took a sixth in race three yesterday to put her in 38th overall, eight places ahead of Annalise Murphy in 46th in the 71–boat fleet. The Banderas Bay event is the third trial for Ireland's Rio berth, a series that London 2012's Annalise leads overall.
Racing was postponed until the wind filled in yesterday, but organisers report there was a clean first start before 2pm. The Yellow qualifying fleet completed two races in 8-10 knots of breeze, but the second race of the Blue fleet was abandoned on the second beat in a dying breeze and will be re-sailed today.
CH Marine–backed Hopkins was elated with the result in the star–studded fleet, 'I'm absolutely thrilled, I got a 6th today in the first race. I was coming top 10 in the second race when I capsized at the leeward mark'.
Annalise Murphy scored 26 in race three. A lot of sailing still lies ahead at these championships. Qualifying races for Monday's important gold fleet cut continue with two more rounds today.
After an untypically poor start (17), top Dutch helmswoman Marit Boumeester moved back up the rankings to fifth overall scoring her second win of the series in race three yesterday.
Results after race three (presented in ascending in sail number order but editable online) are here