I knew from then on that I was going to have a tough time passing him before the first gybe mark. But I was happy to be in second after the start I had. The opening heats set a blistering pace and took the competitors across the width of Ho'okipa, finishing off the point that lies to the west of the beach. The third heat of the day resulted in a mass disqualification for crossing the line early. Competitors must hit the start line at full speed in order to get ahead for the first gybe mark.
Nobody wants to be chasing from the back of the pack.
However it is unusual to have so many competitors disqualified in one heat. He then went on to finish second in his semi final, recording a fifth place in the final. You have to try and start with the swell behind you. Nikola Girke KC-17 had an unfortunate start to the day. Although both sailors escaped without injury Nikola's equipment came off worse.