2019 World Cup Series Genoa, Italy, 15th - 21st April
More than 700 sailors, representing 59 nations compete in Genoa, including Olympic and World Champions
Rights free International Agency VNR & interviews from Thursday 18th April

Odile van Aanholt and Marieke Jongens (NED) snapped up a hat trick of race wins in the 49erFX to propel themselves up into pole position at the Hempel World Cup Series event in Genoa, Italy.

Hitting the top of the 49-boat 49erFX fleet holds special relevance for van Aanholt and Jongens as the event is the first of two Tokyo 2020 qualification events for Dutch national selection and the stakes are high. Four other Dutch teams are currently competing and sit in ninth, 18th and 36th.

Genoa was alive and kicking with all eight Olympic events on Thursday for the fourth day of competition after fleeting winds the days prior dented progress in the racing schedule.

A 5-7 knot western breeze ensured that every fleet managed to complete at least one race as the organisers work hard to catch up on races lost the days prior.