Sailing's 2017 World Cup Series Final reached its mid-point on Thursday, as competitors continue to fight for position across the ten Olympic and foiling Formula Kite events in Santander, Spain.
The competition in Santander has been ferocious with Olympic medallists, World Champions and many of the world's leading sailors aiming to reach Saturday's live Medal Races and to be in with a chance at claiming a medal.
Thursday's racing saw exceptional sailing conditions across all the racing areas. A 15 -20 knot breeze, gusting 25 knots, tested the sailors.
French World Cup winner Nico Parlier (FRA) remained untouchable, sailing the perfect day.
The young Frenchman won six consecutive races and now holds a huge 20-point lead over Riccardo Leccese (ITA).
Behind him unfolds a four-way battle between Leccese, Oliver and Guy Bridge, and Denis Taradin (Russia). Any of those four is in medal contention with only very few points between them.
The conditions today can only be described as champagne sailing. In a constand 20 knot westerly breeze, most riders were on 11m kites in the butterflat water right in front of the Santander City front with thousands of spectators.
Tomorrow will see the final day of the opening series, with another six races scheduled for Gold and Silver fleet each.
The Gold Fleet will then compete in Saturday's live broadcasted three single scoring, non-discardable medal races for the 2017 Sailing World Cup Series Title.
TOP 5 after 12 qualifying series and 6 final series races (3 discards)
1. Nicolas Parlier (FRA) - 15 pts
2. Riccardo Leccese (ITA) -35 pts
3. Oliver Bridge (GBR) - 35 pts
4. Denis Taradin (RUS) - 38 pts
5. Guy Bridge (GBR) - 40 pts
* results subject to pending scoring inquiry
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