Sailing: NZ pair up to 2nd at worlds

Blair Tuke (foreground) and Peter Burling. Photo / Jesus Renedo

Peter Burling and Northland sailor Blair Tuke have climbed to second after day two of the 2015 49er and 49erFX World Championships being sailed at Buenos Aires.

Just two races were possible yesterday in Argentina for the men's fleet, while the women only got one completed.

"It was a long day," says Tuke. "Luckily we were on shore for most of it, the girls were out there for about four or five hours for one race. We got two in late in the day.

"There were lots of thunderstorms around early this morning then clearing. It was quite light and variable all day, but we actually raced in some nice breeze. Around 7-11 knots."

The NZL Sailing Team's top performing pair added a fourth and fifth in the light breeze. They now discard their worst result, an 18th from day one, and are boosted up the standings to second overall.

Local Argentinian sailors Yago and Klaus Lang have the lead, just one point in front of the Kiwis, while Pavle Kostov and Petar Cupac (Croatia) are one point back in third.

The 49erFX pair of Alexandra Maloney and Molly Meech placed sixth in their race on day two of the world title deciding championship, to move from 20th to 15th overall.

"Tricky day two here at the Worlds in Buenos Aires," says Maloney.

"Lots of waiting on the water for the wind to settle. We managed to get in one stressful light wind race before being sent in. Bring on day three!"

Racing resumes today, and following this the fleets will be split into gold and silver for finals racing.

The medal races are scheduled for Sunday morning (NZT).