at the end of yesterday's opening two Pam-Am races on Lake Gimli -- in the thick of medal contention.

Former world and North American champion Smith enjoyed a dream start in the blustery conditions as he won the morning's opening Sunfish race and then placed third in the afternoon contest.

That left him sharing the joint lead with Canada's Oskar Johansson who also had a first and a third. In a fleet of nine, both have four points with nine races still remaining. In third place with six points is American David Van Cleaf.

Sarah Wright was equally impressive in the nine-strong women's Laser Radial fleet. She placed second in the morning and third in the afternoon leaving her locked in second place overall with Brazil's Isabela Maracucci, both on five points. Canada's Kelly Hand won both races.

Wright's husband, Brett, in a Finn fleet of just six, lies in fourth place on eight points after two fourths while Christian Luthi, sailing in a Laser fleet of 15, is languishing in 12th after a ninth and a 12th place finish.

Two more races in each of the classes are scheduled today.

In contention: Malcom Smith (top) and Sara Lane Wright.

SAILING SLG