Aleh and Powrie eye the 470 World title

New Zealanders Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie are tonight in the running for the Olympic class World Championship title in the 470 class. Just the medal race remains and the kiwis have the lead – but by just one point.

The regatta, being sailed off the Hague, Netherlands will finish tonight with the top ten placed sailors set to sail off for the title.

Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie have raced with consistency throughout the initial five days of qualifying then finals rounds and going into the last day are essentially assured of a medal, and very strong contenders for the world title. The battle is on between the kiwis and local favourites Lisa Westerhof and Lobke Berkhout, with both teams well out in front of the chasing pack on points.

However the quick fire, short course medal race is worth double points making it a high pressure tactical race. Aleh and Powrie will be looking to get around the course and across the line ahead of Westerhof and Berkhout.

Last night in the Netherlands the Women’s fleet sailed three races to round out the finals and determine which teams would be on the starting line for tonight’s medal race. Aleh and Powrie continued their terrific form producing a 2nd, a win and a 3rd in the three races sailed regaining the top spot on the leader board on the penultimate day.

The Women’s medal race will follow the Men’s which is set to start in the Netherlands around 2pm (midnight New Zealand time). The regatta website has live tracking and the medal races will be streamed in live video over the internet.

For the five other New Zealand crews competing with their final results will be determined after one final fleet race. Paul Snow-Hansen and Jason Saunders are the best placed in the Men’s fleet lying 14th, while Geoff Woolley and Dan Willcox are in 27th. Melinda Henshaw and Bianca Barbarich-Bacher are in 19th place in the Women’s event.

The New Zealand 470 crews are supported by coaches Nathan Handley and Hamish Willcox.

Women’s 470 World Championship (62 boats)
1st Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie
19th - Melinda Henshaw and Bianca Barbarich-Bacher
53rd - Sarah and Emma Berry

Men’s 470 World Championship (119 boats)
14th - Paul Snow-Hansen and Jason Saunders
27th - Geoff Woolley and Dan Willcox
54th - Francisco Lardies and Finn Drummond