#wmr – 17 races were successfully sailed to complete the quarter final stage of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship in Cork Harbour today. Strong winds gusting almost 30 knots and heavy rain delayed proceedings for a number of hours. Shortly after noon the breeze dropped to a manageable 18 knots the eight teams made their way out to the calm waters below Camden Fort Meagher to begin Day 3 of the regatta.
Paired randomly, the first four teams to win three races apiece would be the ones to advance. An intense five hour battle ensued, fraught with drama, as the sailors went head-to-head for the coveted semi-final places.
First to qualify was overnight leader and World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm from Denmark. She and her three-woman crew expertly claimed three consecutive wins against Klaartje Zuiderbaan knocking the Dutch team out. World #2 Anna Kjellberg then reigned supreme in her fight against the French Anne-Claire Le Berre.
Having already lost two teams, Ireland's remaining hope hung on the Kiwi team skippered by Claudia Pierce but crewed by three Irish girls. Despite Mayo's Ellen Cahill losing her footing and going for a swim, the ladies put up a fierce battle against their American rivals. Tied on two wins each, it all hinged on their final match race but it was Stephanie Roble that came out on top moving Team USA forward to the next round.
An equipment issue caused a frustrating delay in the last quarter final was between Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen and Caroline Sylvan. With three races completed the two Scandinavians teams had no option but to wait patiently on the water because of a problem with one of the spinnakers. Once two other boats became available the crews transferred in and the final race of the day got underway. The final score of 3-1 meant Sylvan will join her fellow Swede in the penultimate day of the championship tomorrow.
