KARACHI, March 20: Hussain Patel finished a clear winner on day one, picking up all the three races sailed on Sunday afternoon in the first Pakistan Day International Regatta which got under way before a large gathering at the Defence Authority Marina Club.
The youngster was closely followed home by another Pakistani sailor Waled Tobeh who had the satisfaction of finishing 2, 3, 2, in the three events he sailed in. Ujala Mir Masood mate to the third finishing (7,2,4), to accumulate 13 penalty points, with Ghazal Mir Masood accumulating 16 PP. Adil Jalil Zuberi was fifth having 18 PP.
Out of the four Sri Lankan sailors in the race, Viren Harinda Das was sixth with 24 PP, Amrik Sacha Elapata Gunaratne, eighth with 26 PP, Ishan Kavan Abeysekera, ninth with 29 PP and Nishan Wijettilaka Atukorala 12th with 36 PP.
All in all a total of 30 boats came on line in the Optimist Class.
The Laser 4.7 Class was keenly contested by three sailors Kiran Ikram, Wajahatullah Babur and Mir Ahmed Mansoor.
In the first race Kiran although crossing the line first, was declared OCS and Wajahat who finished second was later awarded the first position.
Kiran was on top again, followed home by Ahmed and Wajahat. In the third race, the young lady dominated leading for most part of the third race, but Ahmed Masoor overtook her near the finishing line.
Although Wajahat was in the lead after the opening day in the 4.7 Class, he has Kiran and Ahmed breathing down his neck.
Throughout the day a steady south westerly wind blew making it a pleasant afternoon for sailing.
Following were the leading positions:
OPTIMIST CLASS
Hussain Patel (NSC) 3 PP 1, Waleed Tobeh (NSC) 7 PP 2, Ujala Mir Masood (NSC) 13 PP 3, Ghazal Mir Masood (NSC) 16 PP 4, Adil Jalil Zuberi 18 PP 5, Viren Harindra Dias (Sri Lanka) 24 PP 6th, Maria Sehr 26 PP 7th, Amrik Sacha Elapata Gunarante (Sri Lanka) 26 PP 8th, Ishan Kavan Abeysekera (Sri Lanka) 29 PP 9th, Haider Ali Tippu (30 PP ) 10th, Usman Aslam (34 PP) 11, Nishan Wijetilaka Atukorla (Sri Lanka) 36 PP 12th, M. Mostaf Ahmed (51 PP).
