Sailors look good for medal rounds

Northland's sailors at the ISAF Sailing World Cup in France have made their moves up the rankings as they look ahead to the finals.

The best of our local sailors leading into the medal rounds is Kerikeri's Alex Maloney onboard the women's 49erFX skiff alongside Molly Meech.

The pair improved their overall position Tuesday night from fifth to third after three races. The women, who took the silver medal at the last round of the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Palma finished second, fifth and sixth on day two.

The jump means Maloney and Meech open the finals stage carrying just three points with Germans Jurczok and Lorenz leading with a Great Britain boat in second.

Meanwhile, Maloney's brother, Andy, in the Laser class has risen to 13th spot overall after opening day two with a win.

Maloney said he felt much more comfortable on day two after conditions on the opening day proved to be a pain in his backside.

"Not a great day overall," Andy said. "But, I qualified for the final series in 13th and tomorrow the real racing begins.

"Unlike yesterday though, I did get to do the odd bit of hiking today which was nice after getting sore butt bones from sitting on the side of my boat for eight hours yesterday.

He added there was a bit more breeze forecasted for the next few days which should see for some more exciting racing.

Finn sailor, and Northlander, Andrew Murdoch produced a massive turnaround from day one when he was 20th, claiming an eighth, fifth and eighth in yesterday's competition.

Elsewhere in the competition, Marcus Hansen and Josh Porebski, training partners to Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, had a better day of racing in the 49er skiff. On day two they were fourth and fifth elevating them through the ranks from 30th up to 16th.

In total five New Zealand crews sit inside the top five in their respective fleets heading into the final series stage.

Day three will see all fleets back in action for the start of the finals rounds.