US Sailing unveils 'chosen dozen' for the Youth Worlds 2013

by US Sailing on 24 Jan 2013 US Sailing announced the 12 young sailors qualified for the 2013 Youth World Team on Wednesday. The selection was based on first-place finishes in their respective classes at US Sailing's 2013 ISAF Youth World Qualifier regatta, hosted by Clearwater Yacht Club from 19-21 January. These sailors will receive invitations to represent the United States at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship in Limassol, Cyprus from 13-20 July.

'The U.S. Youth Worlds Team represents a new generation in American sailing,' said Josh Adams, Managing Director of U.S. Olympic Sailing. 'As we continue to reshape the Olympic pathways, I'm encouraged by the ability, hard work and skill exhibited over the weekend.'

The sailors named to US Sailing's 2013 Youth World Team:

•Boy's One Person Dinghy: Addison Hackstaff (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
•Girl's One Person Dinghy: Haddon Hughes (Houston, Texas)
•Boy's Two Person Dinghy: Wade Waddell (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) and Henry Fernberger (New York, N.Y.)
•Girl's Two Person Dinghy: Casey Klingler (Larchmont, N.Y.) and Fiona Walsh (Rye, N.Y.)
•Open High Performance Dinghy: Quinn Wilson (Ojai, Calif.) and Dane Wilson (Ojai, Calif.)
•RS:X Boys: Maximo Nores (Miami, Fla.)
•RS:X Girls: Marion Lepert (Belmont, Calif.)
•Multihull: Ravi Parent (Bradenton, Fla.) and Sam Armington (Sarasota, Fla.)

While most of the 2013 Team will make their debut in Cyprus, three are returning members: brothers Quinn and Dane Wilson, and Sam Armington. 'It's really exciting to be able to compete again,' said Armington, who sailed in 2012 with a Jeremy Herrin and finished eighth overall. '2012 was an awesome experience and I met a bunch of great sailors and coaches.'

He went on to explain that he has grown up sailing with and against his 2013 skipper, Ravi Parent, but they spent extra time preparing for this year's Youth World Team Qualifier. As they prepare for the Worlds, they will spend time in a variety of multihulls and monohulls and work on becoming well-rounded sailors. They see Armington's experiences as an advantage. 'I know what it takes to do well and what to expect at the Worlds,' he said. 'This puts a bit of pressure on us, but it's an advantage. I can help Ravi and help us prepare.'

The Youth Worlds Team members also will be named to the 2013 US Sailing Development Team. The team, which is annually named by US Sailing, is comprised of the country's top sailors in the classes selected for the 2013 Youth Worlds and the 10 events selected for the Olympic Games.