(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman Sail's Sultanate of Oman managed to hold on to the third spot in the Kiel Sailing Cup at the end of the penultimate day's action in the Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour in Kiel Germany on Saturday.
After the end of 14 races over two days of action Alinghi remained on top with 24 points followed by Spindrift racing with 35 points. Sultanate of Oman is in third place with 46 points.
It was a tough day out for Sultanate of Oman skipper Leigh McMillan as his crew could earn only one race win and a podium place out of the day's six races.
With no winds blowing in the morning race organisers cancelled the morning session. But the afternoon session saw thrilling action among the five teams on the Kieler Fjord in a moderate northerly breeze under sunny skies.
'Things didn't really go our way today because we were getting good starts but were unable to convert them into good results' said McMillan.
'We need a bit more practice as a team' he said referring to the late change of crew with Paul Campbell-James replacing Pete Greenhalgh.
Greenhalgh went home early after a night in hospital following a severe gastric problem.
'Getting the chemistry right is never going to work straightaway' the Sultanate of Oman skipper said. 'We're with a new set-up now the practice isn't quite coming together in terms of nailing all aspects of racing. You've got to get everything in place to beat the other teams here.'
Yann Guichard and his crew on Spindrift racing were the day's clear winners after a solid performance across six races. The team bagged two wins two runner-ups and two third places.
All the sailors appreciated the lively crowds in Kiel who seemed to be enjoying the action from the sidelines.
'It's amazing to see so many people watching the races' said Flavio Marazzi the GC32 class president. 'It's unique in Kiel. Tomorrow (Sunday) there could be more spectators more breeze and more action. We're all really looking forward to it.'
Standings (after 14 races):
1 Alinghi (24 pts) 2 Spindrift racing (35) Sultanate of Oman (46) Armin Strom Sailing team (52) 5 Team ENGIE (55).
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