Paul Rodrigues and Christian Ebbin made subtle gains on the penultimate day of the 29er European Championships today in Saltsjöbaden, Sweden, just outside Stockholm.

The Bermuda sailors posted a 40-22-10-17 record in the opening four races in the gold fleet to jump five places in the overall standings to 30th.

“We started with marginally racing conditions this morning, making our first race very challenging,” helmsman Rodrigues told The Royal Gazette.

Rodrigues and Ebbin managed to bounce back from their poor start after making the necessary adjustments in spite of the tricky conditions.

“As the day progressed wind strength increased, but it still remained very shifty and variable,” crew Ebbin said.

“We made quick adjustments on the track, which improved our overall finishes as the day moved on.

“We are very pleased with our outcome in today’s races as we were able to move ourselves forward by five positions.

“Tomorrow we are looking forward to the wind, which is forecasting a stronger wind.”

Rodrigues and Ebbin secured their spot in the gold fleet after placing 35th among the 173-strong fleet in the nine-race qualifying series, with three top-five finishes and a best showing of third in the penultimate race, competing in trying conditions.

It is the second straight time they have qualified for the gold fleet at an international regatta, having also done so at the Typhoon UK 29er Class National and Open Championships in Weymouth, England, last month when they placed 31st among an overall fleet of 91 to secure their spot at the Youth World Championships in Brazil in December.

France’s Hugo Revil and Karl Devaux top the standings heading into the final day of competition.