Williams leads laser event

 Cook Islands’ Helema Williams leads the women’s laser event after day two of competition yesterday.

The 23-year-old pulled off four straight wins at Fairfax Harbour yesterday.

Williams, who is leading on four points, said the strong winds had played well into her game plan.

“I like the wind. I’m a bit heavier than the rest of the gang (and) if I was light it would be a disadvantage for me,” Williams, who weighs 76kg, said.

“If the wind is strong like this, it is good to be heavy. 

“I’m pretty confident (of winning) but just got to get lots of sleep, lots of rest and keep the energy up. 

“I went to the London Olympics. I didn’t do well, but that was a good experience.”

Williams had a four-month stint in Europe for a training block and competed in Australia and New Zealand. 

“We try to put ourselves out there. It’s the only way to be better,” Williams said.

In the men’s race, Australia’s Mark Spearman leads on four points with New Caledonian Maxime Mazard running second on nine points. 

In the Hobie Cat, New Caledonia One’s Jerome Legall and Leo Bellourard are leading on five points with New Caledonia Two three points behind.

Top five results: 

Hobie Cat after four races: New Caledonia one (4 points), New Caledonia two (8), Fiji one (12), PNG one (22), Tahiti two (22).

Laser men: Spearman (4;1), Mazard (9;2), Thomas Vincent (Aus – 13;3), Taua Eliza Henri (Cook – 16:4), Teiva Veronique (Tah – 21;5).

Laser women: Williams (Cook – 4;1), Teau McKenzie (Cook – 11;2), Rose Numa (PNG – 20;3), Charlotte Taylor (Fiji – 22;4), Bianca Leilua (Samoa – 25;5).