Spanish win first 49ers race in Qingdao
The Spanish crew, Iker Martinez and Xabier Fernandez, signalled they will be hard to beat with a first up victory in the 15 race 2008 Olympic 49er series on Course A, just off the seawall of Qingdao Harbour today. 
'Finishing group 49ers. 2008 Olympics - Qingdao'
Sail-World.com/ AUS ©
Denmark's Jonas Warrer and Martin Ibsen led from the pin, followed by Britain's Steve Morrison and Ben Rhodes with the Sibello brothers (ITA) third.
The Danes led at the top mark from Italy, GBR and Spain. Tim Wadlow and Chris Rast (USA) were fifth. 2008 World Champions, Australian's Nathan Outteridge and Ben Austin were back in 15th place and to make things worse they hit the top mark and had to do penalty turns.
Down the run Denmark held their lead from Italy and the Spaniards, who had sailed into third place. The lead positions were unchanged for the beat, with the best gains along the rock wall, but on the last run Martinez and Fernandez lead across the line.
Placings were ESP,DEN,ITA,GBR,USA,UKR,FRA,JPN,AUT,BRA,NOR,POR,CAN,CRO,AUS,GER,SWE,CHN.
by Rob Kothe Sail-World.com 
sunrise beach, QLD
