'Tom Slingsby leads on Day of the European Championship for Laser Senior in Nieuwpoort, Belgium on July 16, 2008. Photos by Thom Touw.' Thom Touw

Australian Tom Slingsby continues his dominance in the European Laser Standard Championship with his fourth first place finish in race 5.

The start of race 5 was delayed slightly due to a large commercial ship entering the port forcing the sailors to wait ashore. Once onto the race area a strong current and steady wind of 10 knots provided a challenging race. The first start resulted in a general recall but got away the second time with four black flags issued including Diego Romero (ITA). The remaining two fleets left the start cleanly with wins for Matias Del Solar (CHI) and Tonci Stipanovic (CRO).

In race 6 the current was almost slack and turned during the race, leading to a challenging final leg for the last fleet as some sailors had difficulty reaching the finish line. With a nine knot wind the first fleet started cleanly. The red fleet started second and had to be recalled but then restarted cleanly the second time. Finally, the yellow fleet had a clean start but with two black flags issued. As the races progressed the wind dropped to six knots.

Race 6 winners where Diego Romero, Jean Baptiste Bernaz (FRA) and Joaquin Blanco Albalat (ESP).

Two bullets bring Sarah Blanck up the leaderboard in the Laser Radial Women's Championship.

#News #Sailing