Laser World Championships 2010 - Slingsby bids for third world title

by Lindsey Bell on 30 Aug 2010 Laser World Championships 2010 - Australia’s Tom Slingsby is hoping that he can extend his run of winning form which starts on Monday at Hayling Island Sailing Club on England’s south coast.

If he manages to retain his level of winning form 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.

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, which the trio won with a race to spare.

'It may not sound like the ideal way to build up for the worlds, a bit stressful in a way, but for me it was just an opportunity I could not miss. It is an incredible experience sailing with John and I would not have missed it for anything. It is such an honour to be asked and to be sailing here with these guys,' 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.'

Racing starts Monday and concludes Sunday 5th September.

http://www.laserworlds2010.co.uk/