As it is the Open Europeans, non-European countries are also represented at the races. Meet two sailors who come from far, far away.

These racers are Hellema Williams, competing at Laser Radials, and Peter Henry, competing at Laser Standards. They race for one of the most distant country that is participating at the Open Europeans.

Duo's home is in the Cook Islands, which are located in the Pacific Ocean and are in free association with New Zealand. Williams and Henry came to Finland as a continuation to their travels through European countries. The races in Finland are the last waypoint on their trip. Both of them are staying until July 8, as the last races of their class take place then.

The Open Europeans has been a good stop for them to get experience, not only in sailing, but also in seeing new places, as it is their first visit to Europe.

Before arriving in Finland, they travelled through other countries, such as Germany, Belgium and Holland, competing at different races. For them, races are always new challenges and so have the Open Europeans been, too.

Both of the sailors have competed officially with Lasers since 2007/2008. Williams and Henry say that they often spend their summers in New Zealand and Australia for races and competitions.

They both started sailing at a young age, being 10 and 11 years old. For them it is important to increase the popularity of sailing in their home country and to draw more people into sailing, as it is not a very visible sport there. 

So far Finland has left them a positive impression. Williams and Henry arrived five days before the actual races began and got to see a little bit of the city, too. In their opinion, the atmosphere here in Finland is great and people are friendly.

7/7/2011 11:10