Annalise Murphy opens Olympic Sailing regatta in challenging light weather at Enoshima

Challenging light winds marked the start of the Tokyo Olympic Sailing regatta at Enoshima today with Annalise Murphy first into action in the women's single-handed event.

What was looking like a good starting position became a missed opportunity as another competitor snagged a control line on the Irish sailor’s boat, delaying her start into 'clear air'.

Conditions remained at close to near calm levels for the opening race and Murphy had to accept 35th place in the 44-strong fleet.

Race 2 went better for the National Yacht Club sailor who rounded the first mark in 24th place but spent the next three legs steadily picking off other boats to place 12th.  Her combined score for day one leaves her 23rd place overall.

Speaking after racing ended for the day, Murphy was frustrated with the race one incident but resolved to improve for the second race.  "I'm glad the first day is done and I'm looking forward to moving up from here - no more mistakes," she resolved.

“The starting-line incident was unfortunate but it’s just one of those things that you have to accept in a competition,” commented James O’Callaghan, Performance Director with Irish Sailing.  “Annalise still managed to deliver a strong result in difficult conditions in race 2 which counts as a recovery."

With eight more races to decide next Sunday's medal race finale, normal weather patterns over Sagami Bay are being influenced by the development of a neighbouring typhoon.  Depending on how the weather system develops in the coming days, windier or lighter conditions equally could result.

Ireland’s second boat features the Olympic debut for Rob Dickson and Sean Waddilove from Howth Yacht Club and Skerries Sailing Club respectively in the Men’s 49er skiff event.  Their series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 27th July with a medal race on Monday 2nd August.