Paris 2024: Consistent opening for Team USA on a challenging day in Marseille
by US Sailing Team 28 Jul 22:01 BST
July 28 - August 8, 2024
Ian Barrows (St. Thomas, USVI) and Hans Henken (San Fransisco, CA) take to the water for the first day of Olympic competition in the Men's Skiff © Sailing Energy / US Sailing Team
The sailing events opened on the Bay of Marseille for the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday, July 28 for four classes. Light, inconsistent breeze paired with choppy water presented a challenging opening day for all competitors. Despite hot and humid temperatures, an impressive crowd of spectators gathered on the seawall to watch the action and cheer for sailors.
After hitting the water in the morning with intentions to race, officials canceled the day's schedule for the Men's and Women's Windsurfers due to light wind. Team USA athletes Noah Lyons (Clearwater, FL) and Dominique Stater (Miami, FL.) remain in high spirits, taking each hour as it comes and staying prepared for racing tomorrow.
"It was a long day, we had lots of waiting around," said Stater. "I'm just trying to keep hydrated, eat food and stay set for the next day of racing!"
The Women's Skiffs / 49erFXs were able to get off three races in the early afternoon. Stephanie Roble (East Troy, WI) and Maggie Shea (Chicago, IL) had consistent and strong speed despite the light air, posting a 7, 11, and 10 to put them in 8th overall. With three days and a medal race remaining, Roble and Shea are only four points outside the top five. Apart from the racing, the pair is soaking up the experience of their second Olympics together as a team.
"Leaving the harbor today was extra special," said Roble. "Seeing supporters cheering us on at the water's edge—what an awesome vibe. We had a lot of fun putting it together and working hard for everything out on the water." "We got chills spotting the American flags in the crowd; it felt surreal on the first day of the Games," added Shea. "There's no other place we'd rather be."
In the Men's Skiff / 49er fleet, officials were able to get off three races in the best breeze of the day, moving course areas farther west in search of wind. Ian Barrows and Hans Henken made their Olympic debut with an 8, 7, 17 scoreline, putting them in 12th overall. Unfortunately the pair saw a minor setback in race three, drawing a foul at the top mark which forced them to take a penalty turn.
"They say you can't win a regatta on day one but you can definitely lose it," said Henken. "We could have had a better third race but we're still in it."
The same four classes from day one will take the water for day two of competition tomorrow with hopes of first races for the men's and women's windsurfers. Viewers back home can catch the action on NBC's Peacock with archived reruns to follow.
For more information on the 13 Team USA athletes competing in the sailing events, on the racing schedule, the broadcast coverage and more, see US Sailing's Olympics Page.