Asian Optimists attract 63 sailors from 14 nations

by Robert Wilkes on 30 Jul 2006 63 sailors from 13 Asian countries plus New Zealand are competing in the Optimist Asian Championships being held in Fulong, Chinese Taipei.

Day 1
Three races were held in excellent conditions thanks to the fringe of typhoon Kaemi. Race 1 is reported as having 18 knots; Race 2, 16; and Race 3 variable 14-21 knots.

Competition, due to the relatively recent improvement in Asian sailing, is world-class. Singapore and Malaysia have already dominated the South and North American Open Championships and look to be renewing their rivalry here.

Sean Lee (SIN) who took gold with eight wins in 12 races at the recent North Americans currently leads Faizani bin Yahaya (MAS) with Timothy Seet, open South American champion in third place. Immediately behind them is a similar contest for the girls' prize between Rufina Tan (MAS) and Griselda Khng (SIN), the gold and silver medallists from the South Americans.

But this is not a two nation race. Just a few points adrift at this early stage are Scott Barnes (NZL) who, ranked only no. 10 at home, will be delighted to find himself in this company, Shunsaku Nishio (JPN) and 2004 IODA world champion Wei Ni (CHN).

There are five New Zealand sailors competing in the regatta. At the end of the first days sailing, Scott Barnes lies in 6th place overall, with Wade Tresadern in 11th overall. The final three Kiwis are locked in 22,23 and 24th place. With Ashleigh Lamberg, Samuel McKenzie and Michael Rodgers, respectively, fighting hard in the 63 boat fleet.

The level of the 'Asian big four' has not yet been achieved by the other nine countries represented (though Thailand can surprise) and for many the target will be a place in the top half of the fleet.

In particular Devin Sanka of Sri Lanka, one of the newest Optimist fleets and sponsored by the hosts, can be proud of his 29th position.

Preparation has been meticulous. PRO Mark Pryke (AUS) has recently give an ISAF Race Management Seminar, the IODA Course Representative will be Ajay Balram (IND), chairman of the ISAF Regional Games Committee, and measurement will be supervised by Hyo Kyung Jang IM (KOR).

IODA vice-president David Booth (RSA) checked out arrangements a couple of months ago and expects a great event.

For results see: www.optiworld.org/06ASIANDay1.pdf