The SailGP duo from Spain, Diego Botin & Florian Trittel, took the lead in the Olympic Skiff Series on Tuesday overtaking New Zealand overnight leaders. They also jumped above Ireland at the top of the leaderboard.

The 'McKiwis,' as they are known in New Zealand, Isaac McHardie, and William McKenzie could not maintain the same consistency that was found during the two lighter days of wind.

James Peters of Britain and Fynn Steerritt from Australia were also able to find their rhythm in the Mediterranean wind and waves and improved their position overall to fourth.

After a thrilling head-to-head on the final leg, the wind began to fade in the late afternoon.

Ireland's Robert Dickson, and Sean Waddilove who had been disqualified from one race the day before, were able to sail well enough to remain in second place overall for the men's Series.

The Dutch pair of Odile Van Aanholt & Annette Duetz are enjoying the new conditions in the women’s skiff to gain the advantage over their French competitors.

The stronger winds favored the New Zealand team of Olympic medalists Jo Aleh (gold) and Molly Meech (silver), who jumped up to the eighth position on the leaderboard with their win in the final race of the three races of the day.

Van Aanholt said, "It's a great way to get started by stretching your legs on a boat that is fast."

Other participants in the race included Sweden’s Vilma BOBEN and Rebecca NELZLER, who both won their respective races to finish third.

The Kiwi women's smiles were a clear indication that the frustrating light winds of the first six races had ended.

Meech from New Zealand, who took silver in the skiff class last year, said: "We have been telling ourselves all week we want to really enjoy this regatta. Today we had fun." Reporting by Alexander Smith, Editing by Christian Radnedge

(source: Reuters)