Laser Radial World Youth Championship opening ceremony
Rain and low clouds throughout the day did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the 317 entries in Largs for the Laser Radial World and European Youth Championship
Spirits were running high in the build up to tonight’s grand opening of this major international event, where competitors were treated to a lively parade of Scottish pipers who paraded into the into the event venue. Special guest Sarah Webb – double Olympic Gold medallist – also addressed the competitors in an opening speech and offered a few words of wisdom to the young sailors.
Although the majority of the fleet – many of whom have been at the venue training for some while – opted to stay on shore today for today’s practice race, there was still a healthy contingent who braved the damp conditions on the Clyde in preparation for tomorrow’s opening two races.
The standard of competition here in Largs is exceptionally high with 42 different nations represented. Michelle Broekhuizen (NED) and Heidi Tenkanen (FIN), who finished in first and second respectively at the recent Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Turkey, will be lining up as a couple of hot favourites in the Youth Girls fleet in tomorrow’s open race, while in the Boys fleet Keerati Bualong (THA) who finished second overall at the ISAF Worlds and who has been training with his coach – West Kirby-based Gareth Owen – in preparation for this big event, is another one to watch out for.
The list goes on. Antonio Mourao (POR) and Herman Tomasgaard (NOR) were fourth and fifth respectively at the same event, while the young15 year old Mitchell Kiss (USA) finished an impressive third overall at last week’s Laser Radial Mens World Championship, in Largs. Stefano Mazzaferro (BRA) is another competitor who’ll be in total tune with the Clyde conditions, having raced an exceptionally challenging series last week. He finished 14th overall and is certainly one to watch out for.
The best British competitor at last week’s Laser Radial World was Elliot Hansen who finished a creditable 6th overall and is here this week to see if he can improve on his result. Local Scottish sailor – Lorenzo Chiavarini – is also aiming to improve on last week’s results where he finished 23rd in the Gold Fleet.
The forecast of light, shifty winds for tomorrow’s opening qualifying races means it will be a challenging first day on the Clyde. Light winds from the west reaching no more than 5kts could lead to delays if the forecast is correct.
Heidi Tenkanen (FIN): “I came to Largs straight from the ISAF World Championship in Turkey but unfortunately I haven’t been on the water yet because I suffered a bit of food poisoning. I am better now, having had good rest. I am looking forward to this event but I think it will be very difficult and shifty. I like sailing in bigger fleets so this event will be good for me. I suppose Michelle Broekhuizen from Nederlands who won the ISAF worlds when I was second has to rate as my closest rival. As for the conditions here, well, I have to say the cold and rain is very much like being back in Finland so I feel quite at home here. I’m hoping the forecast is stronger than expected because, given the choice, I prefer more wind.”
19/7/2010 20:09
