Derrick gives signs of winning, Reki wins practice race

Panaji, May 14 (UNI) Forty six-year-old Derrick Menezes gave clear notice of his intentions today of winning the national championship, when he beat back the challenge of all other 15 competitors to win the practice race with a comfortable lead of more than two minutes.

Derrick got off to a magnificent start and led from the start to the end, increasing his lead at every mark. Such was Derrick's supremacy that he eventually won the first practice race with a lead of more than two minutes (about 500 mts).

Prakash of Army Yachting Node showed tremendous improvement from last year, to the surprise all his other seniors as well as Remy Fernandes and Donald Coelho of Goa to take the second spot. The race was sailed with strong winds of 15 knots.

The board sailing championships promises to have many thrills and close fights, amongst the sailors.

In the coastal Optimist race, Shiv Reki sprung a surprise by winning the first practice race. However, the winning champions Zephra did not participate because of injury.

Tomorrow, the championship will start at 1100 hours with 3 races being sailed every day.

UNI SRN SR AB KN2031