A-Class Worlds 2014 @Takapuna: Day 1, Ashby leads

Video by Beau Outteridge Productions
2nd Image Scott Anderson by Richard Gladwell / Sail-Wolrd.com/NZ

Images left by Sailingeventstakapuna.
Onsite report by Bob Griffits at www.a-cat.org/ 
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Ashby took a bullet and a 2nd to lead after two races. Scott Anderson scored 2 & 5, Landy 8 & 4 and Nathan 12 & 1 to complete the top 4 overall positions. Dna camp reports that Nathan was leading Race 1 and got caught in a wind hole.
Weather reported was 7-10knots and the Exploder team (Scott, Landy, Nathan and others)  is making some noise in these conditions. Nathan received the boat discarded by Ashby who is having second thoughts due to the weather forecast, check report at Stuff.co.nz

Anderson and Landy are using standard standard C boards and winglets as a detail, their experience and consistency put them up there. Although it seems foiling in this range of wind is paying off to those who went for the Js foils, not a guarantee, but surely an edge as shown by the winners of both races (and beyond being two of the best sailors) pictured left and in the last one below with Nathan leading and pointing capabilities.
Check how Nathan is flying downwind to win Race 2 on Day 1 video by Beau Outteridge Productions here.
Interesting times for the Class to decide their future. 

Ashby is racing Dna with Js and need to confirm if he finally used L rudders. Outteridge is sailing with Exploders Js and T rudders.

No surprise in the first day, but lot to digest already. At first glance it is nice to have another production boat as an alternative for the Class. Still much to go but the Exploder final version is confirming the nice debut Jacek had at Barcelona. Like the F18, more design alternatives better for the sailors. Jacek is currently 9th.

Steve Brewin with the Nikita had a 13th and a BFD, not a good start obviously for him.
TNZ squad members Davies and Burling are 5th and 6th overall.

Good to see Thomas Paasch in 12th overall, he had a really good 2013 season and continues to perform.
Thilo had a BFD and a 21st. Mischa with a bad day too 24 & 32 for a 26th overall.

More info and additional pics when available.
Full Results at official website sailingeventstakapuna.com