Choppy conditions see lasers overturn in Samoa 2019 sailing
A day of fast and thrilling sailing day at Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games saw some boats capsizing in choppy condition but New Caledonia lead the fleet.
Etienne Le Pen and Maxime Mazard won all three of their races.
The hobie cat is also being led by New Caledonia (Leo Belouard and Tom Picot).
As the competition entered its sixth day at Mulifanua, in the afternoon race several boats were over- powered. For others the swell and consistent breeze made for exciting sailing.
Laser Standard sailor Etienne Le Pen of New Caledonia, just back from sailing in the Worlds in Japan, said: "I'm here to have fun and to compete against my team mate from NCL."
He described the conditions as "very physical, very choppy, the hardest for us."
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The hobies being sailed for the competition are from the 2007 Pacific Games, which Samoa also hosted.
They have new trampolines, sails and rigs. Crew weight must be at least 129.3kg.
The sailors had a great time today, sailing fast, reaching 15 knots, with most favouring the north/reef side of the course.
For teenagers Sarah Hoffman and Tom Dawson from Australia the competition gives them "a fuller understanding of how boats work."
They are both still at school and have sailed together for two years on Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia.
Sailing continues with another three races tomorrow.
