Eurosaf Youth Sailing European Championship in Aarhus

by John Friend on 7 Aug 2012 Eurosaf Youth Sailing European Championship competitors, supporters and volunteers were welcomed by the City of Aarhus with the Opening Ceremony taking place in the wonderful surroundings of the City Concert Hall on Sunday evening. Niels Christian Selchau-Mark, representing the City, was joined by Christina Nielsen, Vice-President of the Danish Sailing Federation, Thomas Capitani Nielsen, the Executive Director of Sailing Aarhus (the event organisers) and John Friend, Secretary General of the European Sailing Federation (Eurosaf).

Niels Selchau said that the City of Aarhus were proud of their maritime heritage and delighted to be associated with the championship and with the sport of sailing.

In welcoming the teams to Denmark, Christina Nielsen added that Denmark were honoured to be asked to host the first ever multi-discipline European Youth Championship and were particularly pleased that Sailing Aarhus had been selected as the host for the event. John Friend told those present that this was the realisation of more than three years planning and while this was the first event of its kind, Eurosaf are completely committed to the future of the event and have already agreed venues for the coming three years.

Nearly 150 sailors from 17 European countries will be competing against each other in four different disciplines and gender groups, using the Laser Radial, single-handed dinghy; Intentional 420, double-handed dinghy; RS:X Sailboard and 29er high performance dinghy.

The single and double-handed classes will each sail nine races and the sailboard and high performance dinghy twelve races. The last day of the championship will see an experiment with medal races being held for the first time in youth championships of this kind.

Thomas Capitani Nielsen, from Sailing Aarhus, said that they were delighted with the enthusiasm and positive way in which news of the event coming to Aarhus had been received by the army of volunteers now working to make the event a success. 'Without these people events of this kind cannot operate', he said 'and we are really most grateful for the willing support we receive from these people. We are also very grateful to all our sponsors, who have contributed most generously to make the championship possible'

Racing starts Monday 6th August and continues until Friday 10th August. The prize-giving and closing ceremony will be held on Friday afternoon at the event venue.