September 17th 2016 - Sailing
4 galleries
The final day of the sailing programme in Rio was blessed with great conditions. For the French Team Damien Seguin was sailing for Gold. The day started with the Sonar Class followed by the Skud Class and finishing with the 2.4mR Class.
As mentioned before this is the last time we'll see Paralympic Sailing in the games for a while yet....although I heard a rumour that it may be back as a demonstration sport at the Tokyo 2020 games....we'll see. Fingers crossed!
As mentioned before this is the last time we'll see Paralympic Sailing in the games for a while yet....although I heard a rumour that it may be back as a demonstration sport at the Tokyo 2020 games....we'll see. Fingers crossed!
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45 imagesThe Sonar Class final regatta. These three person keelboats are magnificent and great fun to sail. They had the gentlest conditions of the three races of the day. Australia ruled the day followed by the USA and Canada. -
23 imagesThe SKUD Class of boat is really interesting. The boats are very distinctive sporting twin rudders and their transparent mainsail and jib and their national flag spinnakers! With the spinnakers coming out on the run leg of the course they made an incredible sight with the Sugarloaf in the background. Again Australia dominated this class, taking Gold, followed by Canada and Great Britain. -
57 imagesThe 2.4mR class, otherwise known as the MiniG, is a single person keelboat. I swear these guys had the choppiest conditions to sail in! France's Damien Seguin went into this final regatta in Gold Medal position and held on to it! Athen's 2004 Gold Medalist was determined to make up for his 4th place in London 2012 and didn't disappoint! A great day for Damien and great day for competitive French sailing. Damien is now embarking on his biggest project yet....the 2020 Vendee Globe! -
35 imagesIn the fading evening light (yep, the organisation didn't put the flood lights) the podiums took place on the beach; overlooking the bay. There was a great spectator turn out! In particular there were supports of Damien and the French team and they made themselves heard!! The ambience for these podiums was great. There is a camaraderie in the sailing community which is particularly warm and welcoming and above all very supportive irrespective of the results. What's not to love about sailing?! :-) Here's hoping that it'll be back in the Paralympic Games sooner rather than later!