Yachting: Tobin, 470 women close in on gold

Jon-Paul Tobin. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's medal prospects have firmed as the Sail for Gold yachting regatta nears a conclusion in England.

Boardsailor Jon-Paul Tobin and the 470 women's pairing of Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie sit atop their respective fleets with two days of competition remaining off Weymouth at a venue being used for next year's Olympic Games.

As well, Laser sailor Andrew Murdoch must fancy his chances after ending today's races second overall in a fleet of 123.

Tobin has opened up a three-point lead in the men's RS:X event over Dutchman Dorian Van Rijsselberge and Briton Nick Dempsey after posting fourth and second placings today.

Aleh and Powrie were in top form to return two race wins and their closest rivals Hannah Clark and Saskia Mills, of Britain, have now fallen 10 points behind the New Zealanders.

Australian Tom Slingsby leads Murdoch by six points in the Laser class after Murdoch finished first and fourth today.

Another New Zealander, Andy Maloney, improved to eighth place overall after posting back to back fifth placings.

Finn competitor Dan Slater is fifth on the standings after three races today in which he finished ninth,10th and 17th.

- NZPA