J-Asia sailors sweep Hebe Haven SLAM Open Dinghy Regatta

by Marek Nostitz-Jackowski, J-Asia on 26 May 2014 J-Asia’s sailors reaffirmed their dominance of the Hong Kong junior dinghy racing scene by capturing top spots at the Hebe Haven SLAM Open Dinghy Regatta, which took place May 24-25 in Port Shelter, Sai Kung, Hong Kong.

The sailing area was also close to J-Asia’s home base in Ma Lam Wat. The regatta embraced several boat classes, including Laser Standard and Radial, Laser 4.7, Laser Pico, 420 and 29er as well as the Sailability Access 303. This was a ranking event for the Optimist class, which had 51 boats participating in the event.

Capturing top spots in the Laser division, which saw Standards and Radials competing together in a handicap system, were J-Asia's James William Johnston in first and Gerald Williams in second, both sailing in a Laser Standard. J-Asia's Riley Cameron was fifth overall in the Laser division but placed second in the Laser Radial. J-Asia's Nicholas Bezy, Marian Williams and Christopher Bezy nailed first, second, and third in the Laser 4.7 division.

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Optimist sailors Julian Fung and Throwen Uiterwaal did their Club proud by winning first and second, with J-Asia's Nancy Highfield coming in third. Sibling Optimist sailors Faolan Whyte and Sorcha Whyte both snagged the top spots in the under 12 and under 10 Optimist category respectively.

Hosts Hebe Haven dominated the Pico division, with Ian Duncan, Hannah Jepsen and Zachary Blacker placing 1, 2, 3 respectively.

'Regattas are a good way for the sailors to test their abilities against that of their peers, and it is good for them to see the fruits of their efforts,' said J-Asia coach Marek Nostitz-Jackowski. 'I have always said to my sailors that making an effort is their duty, and bringing results is their responsibility. They have taken this to heart!'