Fish & Co. Youth Sailing Championships - Perfection is the goal
by Icarus Sailing Media on 22 Mar 2015
Singapore’s national sailing center - Fish & Co. Youth Sailing Championships 2015
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Welcome back to Singapore’s national sailing center, the heart of the nation’s sailing programme, located on the East coast of the city, near one of Singapore's most treasured and beloved enclaves – Katong. The sailors have enjoyed the chance to taste the Joo Chiat neighbourhood, a melting pot of Singaporean cultures and a treasure trove rich in history and picture-perfect architecture.
And perfection is the goal on this penultimate day of the Fish & Co. Youth Sailing Championships. Today’s results will shape the leaderboard top ten, as all classes advance to Olympic Style Medal Races. The medal race counts for double points, so all still to play for. Five sailors are in podium contention in the Optimist fleet. Points are tight in the Byte class, with places from seven to ten to be decided tomorrow, while in Laser Radial, Bernie Chin will have it easy, as he already has gold in the bag.
Most podium spots are still open, so the 373 sailors in the nine classes will have to put all their focus on the short, intense medal race. In the Laser 4.7, Singapore’s Koh Yi Kun controls the fleet, with the nation’s Loh Jia Yi & Matthew Scott leading the fiercely contested 420 class. Singapore’s Samuel Neo headlines the Byte Class, whilst in the 119 boat Optimist Gold fleet, Singapore's Daniel Kei leads, counting six bullets from ten races!
Optimum speed is essential for results consistency. Whatever the class, sailors must excel in all conditions. Physique plays a role in performance, but doesn’t impact the results of the world’s top sailors.
Boat speed will set the pace of the medal race, but the real battle is to execute a race strategy and understand the race course. Boat positioning, anticipating the wind, defending your line and attacking opponents are all in the mix. Make a mistake and there is no comeback.
But, sailing is not all about winning. The character and values the sport fosters are at the very heart of our development as human beings, particularly for young athletes.
And friendship is what all the sailors here share, and there is always time to enjoy each other’s company & relax. Don’t miss Saturday’s exciting medal race finale.
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