505 World Championship, 2000 – Durban, South Africa

Bergstrom Takes Charge

Four time 505 world champion, Krister Bergstrom, racing with Thomas Moss led both races from start to finish, winning both, and taking the overall lead in the 2000 World Championship with one race to go. The Bergstrom/Moss team had good gate starts, went the right way, and had very impressive speed. The wind was in the 18-23 knot range, with large swells and waves; incredible surfing conditions downwind.

Bergstrom won the 1987 and '88 worlds with Olle Wenrup – who is now racing with Ebbe Rosen – and the the '89 and '91 worlds with Per Anders Hallberg. He is one of two four time 505 world champions, and winning this event would put him ahead of Peter Colclough the only other four time International 505 world champion.

Yesterday's leaders, Mike Martin/Steve Bourdow, had finishes of 4,3 today, while the Hamlin/Alarie team were 5,4 today. 49er Olympic Silver medalist Ian Barker was 2,6, while UK and European 505 Champions Ian Pinnell/Nick Powell were 3,2.

It is going to come down to the final race, on Friday. Martin/Bourdow can catch Bergstrom/Moss, while both Hamlin/Alarie and Barker/Cripps can catch Martin/Bourdow. "Krister will be all over us" said Steve Bourdow. "But we'll be ready."

Results after five races