MARSEILLE, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands' duo of Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz took an early lead in the women's skiff (49erFX) on the opening day of sailing at Paris 2024.
The men's and women's windsurfing (iQFOiL) races were postponed due to insufficient wind.
Van Aanholt and Duetz, the reigning world champions, closed out the day with two race wins in the 49erFX class, managing to perform well in light winds off the coast of Marseille.
France's Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon followed closely behind with an extremely consistent performance on the water, finishing second across all three races. Marla Bergmann and Hanna Wille of Germany finished third overall. Hu Xiaoyu and Shan Mengyuan of China wrapped up the day in 17th spot.
"It was a very hot day, so a lot of our process was focused on heat protocol and keeping the head cool," said Van Aanholt after the races.
"We got it done. It's very special for me, after the Tokyo Games, that friends and family can now be around, so it is really special to feel so much support," Duetz added.
In the men's skiff (49er) competition, Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie of New Zealand led the campaign after the fist day's three races, while Ireland's Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove started slower than the leaders but recovered well to seal second place.
Uruguay's Hernan Umpierre and Fernando Diz started strong to clinch third place. China's duo of Wen Zaiding and Liu Tian stood tenth overall.
"It was good to get out there racing after a lot of build-up in Marseille. To have a good day out there is a bonus, so we are happy," McHardie said.
McKenzie said, "Everyone was very nervous going into the first race and to get a bullet in the first race is awesome, it is a great feeling."
The sailing events will take place in the Mediterranean Sea off the shore of Marseille from July 28 to August 8.
