Yachting: NZ crews eye medal races

Laser sailor Andrew Murdoch. Photo / Northern Advocate

Nine New Zealand crews have retained their top-10 status in the final round of the World Cup series for Olympic classes at Weymouth in England.

They need to stay in the top 10 of their classes after the penultimate day of racing tomorrow to qualify for the medal races.

Laser sailor Andrew Murdoch posted his worst result of the regatta when finishing 20th but he remained second equal alongside Briton Paul Goodison.

Australian Tom Slingsby heads the fleet after reeling off five wins in the last six races.

Murdoch's New Zealand teammate Mike Bullot is ninth overall after finishing 19th today.

Laser Radial competitor Sara Winther posted a win and a fourth placing to improve to fourth overall, just three points away from second place.

Jon-Paul Tobin continued his solid form in the men's RS:X, fifth and seventh placings leaving him in fourth place, while compatriot Tom Ashley is ninth after finishing 11th and eighth today.

Dan Slater was also solid in the Finn class, placings of seventh and sixth enabling him to hold steady at sixth overall.

Hamish Pepper and Craig Monk improved their overall standing to sixth in the Star class with second and sixth placings, while the women's 470 crew of Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie are seventh following their 13th and second placings today.

The 49er pair of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are also seventh overall.

The women's match racing crew of Stephanie Hazard, Jenna Hansen and Susannah Pyatt won all their races today to top the silver fleet and finish 13th overall.

- NZPA