On Day 2 of SSL Gold Cup QS Round 5, both Group 7 and Group 8 raced one race in dream conditions. SSL Team Ukraine and SSL Team South Africa made the best of them by winning and taking the lead of their respective group. Tomorrow's races resume Live on YouTube an Twitch at 11.00 CET. 

QS5 Group 7 - Day 2: Superb South Africa

After a tightly contested opening day that saw SSL Team Malaysia top the group by a single point, the stage was set for another tense encounter on Day 2. However, the South Africans broke the tension early, dominating Race 3 from the off.  

SSL Team South Africa struck back to post their second win of the campaign. SSL Team Malaysia, unable to answer this time, sailed across the line in 2nd place.  SSL Team India trailed further behind in 3rd.     

As is often the case in sailing, the start proved to be the decisive moment. 'Ubuntu', captained by three-time Olympian Ian Ainslie, and SSL Team Malaysia stalked each other closely as the clock ticked down. The Monsoon tried to control the South Africans and force them wide of the pin, but SSL Team South Africa squeezed through the gap.

From there there was no looking back as Ubuntu stamped their authority on Race 3, taking victory with a commanding performance. 

Take two tomorrow

Despite another disappointing day for SSL Team India, they will take comfort in only being 3 points behind their leading rivals. With two races expected on Saturday, the table can still be turned on its head.  

QS5 Group 8 - Day 2: Ukraine on the move

After a topsy-turvy first day for their rivals, SSL Team Thailand led the overnight standings by virtue of two steady 2nd place finishes. But despite taking another 'silver' today, it would not be enough to keep their crown.

After a tight and frantic opening leg in which the Asian teams took turns to attack each other, the door opened for Ihor Matviienko's 'Haydamaky' to take control of the race.

With the Ukrainians comfortable out in front, a tense three-way battle for 2nd place was hotting up behind. SSL Team Singapore and SSL Team Thailand traded places several times, while a gamble to the right hand side from the trailing SSL Team Korea allowed them to close in.

With only seconds separating the three boats on the final approach, 'Chang Thai' timed their gybe to perfection, controlling both their rivals and ensuring the extra points would be theirs.

Super Saturday

With two races expected tomorrow, everything can change for all four teams in Group 8. For bottom SSL Team Korea, it would be the perfect time to post a maiden victory. 

They said: 

Ihor Matviienko, SSL Team Ukraine Captain:
"Today was a good day. When we checked the weather forecast the wind was looking light but when we came to the harbour we had a good surprise with the nice wind. We had a good start and were feeling good but then we started to feel our boat wasn't sailing so well. Our helm went swimming in the water and pulled a big tree branch from under the boat.  After we took that out then the boat was sailing much better.  And then for the rest of the race, no mistakes, we are leading at the first mark and we kept it all the way."

Mark Sadler - SSL Team South Africa Tactician
"It was really satisfying performance all round for our team, we were very focused. I am looking forward to two races tomorrow".