Lack of wind in Largs forces postponement on day one of Laser Radial World Youth Championship

The overnight rain has left windless conditions on the Clyde, which means the race committee has indicated an indefinite postponement on day one of the Laser Radial World Youth Championship

            After an exciting grand opening at Largs Sailing Club last night, the 317 young sailors and accompanying coaches are, this morning, sitting around waiting for the breeze to fill in.

Unfortunately, the forecast is not looking ideal, with less than 5kts of wind predicted. The current situation shows a low pressure system creating a very light south-westerly breeze but when this moves north, high pressure will dominate to leave even more uncertain conditions for the rest of the week.

Ideally race organisers are looking for southerlies or north-westerlies, which are know to be the best conditions for racing in Largs. Anything from the east is not ideal because this generally creates big, gusty winds, which whistle over the hills in the surrounding the area. Also because the water is so deep here on the Clyde – 120-140 metres in some places – setting the course in relation to the wind is also a challenge.

Although spirits among competitors are still high on this opening day of the regatta, frustration of not being able to get out on the water, will doubtless start to affect the situation soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

20/7/2010 11:31