Sailing: Maloney within reach of laser podium

New Zealand sailor Andy Maloney sits in fourth. Photo / John Stone.

New Zealand sailor Andy Maloney continues to upstage his Olympic-bound teammate in the laser class world championships off Boltenhagen, Germany.

Maloney rose to fourth in the 168-strong field after the 11th and 12th races overnight, despite recording a non-counting 29th and 18th place in shifty and continuously changing weather conditions.

With one day of sailing remaining, Maloney is firmly in contention for a podium spot. He sits six points off the bronze medal position, though first and second place are out of reach.

The 21-year-old, who last month claimed a silver medal at the world cup regatta in France, is by far the best of the three Kiwis in the class.

Andrew Murdoch, continuing his preparation for the London Games, slipped a further two places to 33rd after placing 52nd and 28th overnight, and Sam Meech rose two spots to 22nd following a 15th and a 27th placing.

Two other New Zealand sailors with an eye firmly fixed on the Olympics enjoyed a successful day at the 49er world championships off Zadar, Croatia.

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke recorded places of fourth, third and fourth overnight, moving up eight places to sit in fifth overall after three days of racing.

However, since the 74-boat field has been split into three during the qualifying stages, the true test won't arrive until the finals series.

Also in the 49er class, Marcus Hansen and Josh Porebski managed a second, 19th and 10th to climb to 17th overall.

The only crew currently competing for a ticket to London, Hamish Pepper and Jim Tucker, had a rest day at the star class world championships off Hyeres, France.

The crew, who need to finish in the top four among nations not already qualified for the Olympics, remain tied for eighth place in the 72-strong fleet.