Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF Worlds - Day 3

by RYA/Myrrh Walker on 17 Jul 2006 Day three of racing at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships proved a disappointment for many, as fickle winds were forecast. This forced many races to be postponed and in the late afternoon, finally abandoned for the day.

But the RS:X’s enjoyed a different fate inside Weymouth Bay, with the experienced race team managing to fit in two races, between the fluky conditions.

The 420’s, Laser’s and Hobie 16’s started the day with high hopes, setting off in a light but constant south westerly wind, however as morning became afternoon the likely hood of starting dropped, as the wind outside the breakwater failed to fill in. A cheer was heard from the patient sailors when the races were postponed indefinitely and ribs were provided to deliver much needed transport to land.

The RS:X’s had a similar start to the day, with racing postponed for over two hours whilst the sea breeze struggled to kick in. Luckily for the windsurfers, a relatively constant force three to four swung in from the south west and created some challenging light-wind conditions and some exciting place changes just outside the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Italian Laura Linares in the top spot enjoyed another successful day, adding another first and second to her near perfect score card. Her nearest rival Maayan Davidovich from Israel was relegated to third position, as the Polish Malgorzata Bialecka managed to discard her 11th place from yesterday. Linares could not hide her happiness;

'It’s just so fantastic! I was hoping for a good day and it came. These light conditions are always a challenge, but I look forward to it.'

The Italian and Polish domination of this class carried on in the male fleet, with Lukasz Grodzicki staying in poll position for a third day and Italian Fabian Heidegger moving up to second. Unfortunately for Frenchman Pierre Le Coq, he moved from second to third overall at the end of day three. For him this is a hard blow but he knows that they are still a possible five races to go and lots to play for. 'I don’t like light wind sailing but I will try my best, that’s all I can do.'

Tomorrow sees a lay day for the competitors with many events for them to get involved in. Ecover, Mike Golding’s Open 60 will be on hand for the young sailors to inspect and if they are lucky in the midday draw, they may have a chance to go sailing on the powerful monohull.

Golding the famous British single handed sailor will also be on hand to give some inspirational advice to these talented individuals.

Also on the schedule is top British Cat sailors from the Volvo Extreme 40, Team Basilica. Skipper James Grant and his crew will also be sailing around Weymouth, demonstrating the awesome power of their 40 foot catamaran.

Racing continues through to 20 July 2006.

Complete results can be found on the event website www.youthworlds.org