Ainslie closes in on gold

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Light shifting winds off Qingdao saw the competition delayed for nearly four hours before Ainslie took the early lead and was 30 seconds ahead at the second mark before being caught on the second windward leg to ensure he had to settle for second, eight seconds behind the winning Spanish boat.

However, poor results for Zach Railey of the United States, who was 19th and Guillaume Florent of France, who finished 21st saw the Briton sew up at least a silver, ensuring that he will surpass Rodney Pattison as Britain's most successful Olympic sailor with a fourth medal on Saturday.

Ainslie leads the standings with 21 points, 12 ahead of Railey, and would clinch a gold medal for the third consecutive Games if he finishes no more than six places behind the American in Saturday's medal race.

But while Ainslie is in a comfortable position, the crew of Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson face a battle in their double-points medal race on Saturday after only managing fifth place in race eight in the Yngling class.

The reigning two-time world champions came home 52 seconds behind the Netherlands, trimming their lead in the standings to only one point.

However with the United States finishing down in 10th place, Team GB is guaranteed at least a bronze medal in the Yngling event.