Bruno Jourdren, Herve Larhant and Nicolas Vimont-Vicary (France) continued to distance themselves from the rest of the fleet by winning the only Sonar race on Thursday, September 11, in Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre.
The French team's margin grew to six points following a solitary light air race.
Colin Harrison, Russell Boaden and Graeme Martin (Australia) who have 15 points remain in second overall and Jens Kroker, Robert Prem and Siegmund Mainka (Germany) remain in third overall by discarding their 11th place finish in today's race.
Herve Larhant said, "As we sail each race, day after day, we are coming closer and closer to our goal -- the gold medal. However, it is now a mind game for us. We need to stay focused and concentrate because it is not Saturday, so nothing is done."
Dror Cohen, Arnon Efrati and Benny Vexler (Israel) with their conservative, yet never say "die" attitude, started 2 minutes and 45 seconds behind the fleet and fought back to a sixth place finish.
Three races are scheduled for Friday, September 12.
(BOCOG September 12, 2008)