Day 3: iQFOiL International Games, TrickyConditions test sailors in Shenzhen

Day 3 of the iQFOiL Asian Championships and iQFOiL International Games brought a mix of challenging and rewarding conditions for competitors across all categories. The day began with strong winds of approximately 20 knots in the very early hours of light, but as the morning progressed and the sun broke through, the breeze eased to around 8 knots with occasional stronger gusts. Throughout the day, the wind remained unpredictable, with frequent lulls that tested the patience and adaptability of both racers and the race committee.

Morning Races: Senior Men and Women

The Senior Men and Women fleets took advantage of the steadier conditions earlier in the day, completing five U-Course races each. The competition was intense, with sailors capitalizing on the technical challenges presented by the shifty and gusty breeze.

Top 3 Senior Women (10 races completed):

Xianting HUANG (CHN 3)
Jie DU (CHN 111)
Zheng YAN (CHN 37)

“Yesterday I made a few mistakes in the starts, luckily I was able to recover in the downwind playing the shifts, cause that is what you, you have to catch up if you fall behind, so overall I am happy with my performance. My main focus from now on will be on the starts and trying to have good speed overall”, said Xianting HUANG.

Top 3 Senior Men (11 races completed):

Kun BI (CHN 1)
Ching Yin CHENG (HKG 21)
Zhen HUANG (CHN 577)

“It was challenging today, we did five races and it's my first time to try the U course, is tricky in the upwind.. but I like the U course, I finished first in the first race and scored two thirds in the day, so think it's OK. I am second overall now, but hopefully I can catch up to the first place tomorrow!”, commented Ching Yin CHENG.

Afternoon Challenges: Youth and Junior Fleets

The afternoon saw the Youth and Junior fleets taking to the water, but they faced more difficult conditions. A long wait ensued as the race committee attempted several starts, none of which could be validated due to insufficient wind. The patience of the sailors and officials was eventually rewarded when the wind returned, allowing the Youth and Junior categories to complete their slalom races.

Top 3 U19 Women (7 races completed):

Wing Tung CHOY (HKG 34)
Ning SUN (CHN 679)
Angyal CHEW (SGP 711)

Top 3 U19 Men (9 races completed):

King HUNG (HKG 23)
Sum Kit Anson CHAN (HKG 35)
Long Yin Bosco SO (HKG 36)

Top 3 U17 Women (8 races completed):

Ching Suet YUEN (HKG 43)
Claire Tian Yu TSE (HKG 14)
Tsz Yuet CHEUNG (HKG 24)

Top 3 U17 Men (8 races completed):

Shi JEIYU (CHN 632)
Chun Kiu Curtis HO (HKG 12)
Tsz Ho WONG (HKG 17)

Looking Ahead

As the championship progresses, competitors continue to adapt to the shifting conditions. The race committee remains determined to deliver a balanced and fair competition across all fleets, despite the unpredictable weather. With the rankings tightening and the Medal Series approaching, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the iQFOiL Asian Championships and International Games.