Breeze and sunshine for Day 1 at the Laser Worlds

After the preceding days have been marked by strong breezes and big winds, too much to run yesterday's scheduled practice race, the conditions for Day 1 look to have arrived to order with a brisk breeze and bright sunshine.

Australia’s Tom Slinsgby is hoping that he can extend his run of winning form to this week’s Laser World Championships which start this afternoon at Hayling Island Sailing Club.

If he manages to retain his level of success which includes ISAF world cup victories this season in Europe at Holland’s Delta Lloyd Regatta and Kiel Week, and perhaps most significantly triumphing earlier this month against Olympic and world champion Paul Goodison (GBR) at Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta on the 2012 Olympic waters off Weymouth & Portland, the Australian helm from Gosford could win his third Laser World title after back to back victories in 2007 in Cascais and 2008 at home in Australia at Terrigal. But Goodison is well acquainted with the waters off Hayling Island and is sailing with considerable confidence,

Slingsby believes he is sailing well across the wind range and is well prepared for what many consider could be a title showdown with the home favourite Goodison. And he appears relaxed and confident in his form, choosing to spend the week before the championships racing in Ireland with the Australian sailing legend John Bertrand at the Etchells World Championships along with Andrew Palfrey. The Aussie trio lwon the Etchells title with a race to spare.

So there were high expectations expressed this morning that racing will get away on time with two races planned for both the Laser Standard Open fleets and the Junior World Championships.  Said Slingsby.

“I did four days training at Hayling and it was fine, good winds and some good waves, but really I feel like I am sailing well across the wind range, good in the light and the heavier stuff. So I’m really looking to just get through qualifying in decent shape and go from there.”

“Paul Goodison will be a tough adversary for sure and seems to be always at or near the top, but winning at the Olympic venue has done my confidence no harm. But there are several others to keep an eye on, Nick Thompson, the Canadian Michael Leigh and the Kiwis Michael Bullot and Andrew Murdoch among them. But I feel like I am sailing well and I am really happy.”
 

30/8/2010 12:45