MARSEILLE, France, July 29 (Xinhua) -- France's Nicolas Goyard assumed an early lead in the men's windsurfing (iQFOiL), despite there being only one race on the water on Monday. The New Zealand duo of Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie kept their momentum in the men's 49er event.
All iQFOiL races on Sunday were postponed due to light wind, and the action eventually got underway at Marseille Marina on Monday. However, the men were only able to complete one race before persisting light winds prevented any further action.
Reigning world champion Nicolo Renna of Italy impressed initially, closely trailing behind Goyard to put Italy in the mix. Denmark's Johan Soe finished behind them in third with a strong opening performance. China's Huang Jingye stood seventh.
"I felt really good. I felt quick, physically ready. It feels good to be starting finally. We've been preparing for over six months and it's good to be out there finally and giving it my all. So I'm happy with how it went. I'm ready, I've never felt so good so let's go for it," Goyard said after the race.
Women windsurfers managed to compete two races in the afternoon. Britain's Emma Wilson took the lead with two very strong races, followed by Marta Maggetti of Italy. Finishing the first race second and the second race 20th, Yan Zheng of China placed tenth overall.
The New Zealand duo of Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie kept the momentum from the previous day, continuing to lead in the men's 49er class after six races, while Ireland's Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove maintained the second place. China's duo of Wen Zaiding and Liu Tian stood 13th overall.
In the women's skiff (49erFX) competition, France's Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon overtook the Netherlands' duo of Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz with steady performances in the day's races. Hu Xiaoyu and Shan Mengyuan of China moved one spot up to the 16th.
The sailing events take place in the Mediterranean Sea off the shore of Marseille from July 28 to August 8.
