The iQFOil’s debut was initially hampered by adverse weather conditions in Marseille, but it took place on the second day of the Olympics, as the sport seeks to reinvent itself to attract new followers, TV and a new generation of speed-loving sailors.
Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 60 km/h in stronger winds, the iQFOiLs still managed to reach a remarkable 40+ km/h in the only men's race that stewards were able to run in variable breezes.
But it was frustrating for the sailors, whose only short race lasted less than five minutes, despite having been on the water for around five hours.
“It happens. Hopefully we'll have more racing at the end of the regatta,” said a relaxed Grae Morris, the 20-year-old sailing for Australia who was in fourth place when the second race was abandoned due to lack of wind.
Morris and coach Arthur Brett spend much of the day sitting under a huge umbrella on the boat, hydrating and chatting.
“We just exchanged funny stories and chatted,” Morris said.
While Morris earned a 14th place finish on his scorecard, the 49erFX team of Olivia Price and Evie Haseldine had a day to remember, becoming the first Australians to finish in the top three in the Olympic regatta.
“Coming in third place in the last race made us really happy,” said Price, who added that rough conditions at his track caused the dive during the race.
“The second race wasn't the best, so we wanted to restart and continue like this.
“It's hard to see how agitated it is. At times we're sinking against the wind. I'm behind the foot strap and trying to keep the bow out of the water. It's embarrassing.”
Spectators probably enjoyed the light wind days a little more than our sailors.
There aren’t many sporting events in the world where you can watch and take a refreshing dip at the same time, but that’s what fans on the shores of the Mediterranean did.
The Prado Beach site offers unobstructed views of nearby and distant golf courses.
Waiting sailors have not been so lucky, seeking any shade they can to stay cool on and off the water in the heat of the race, which is expected to see temperatures as high as 40 degrees at some stages during the first week.
Australian results at the end of the second day of the Olympic sailing regatta
49erFX: Olivia Price and Evie Haseldine. They placed 7th, 11th and 3rd, finishing fifth overall.
iQFOiL: Grae Morris took a 13th place finish, placing him 13th overall.
Skiff 49er: Jim Colley and Shaun Connor earned 10th, 14th and 10th place finishes for 16th overall
Originally published as Paris Olympics 2024: Grae Morris, new iQFOiL sailors star on day two of Games regatta in Marseille
