IODA Asian Optimist Champs in Singapore

by Ho Shu Fen, SingaporeSailing on 9 Jul 2007 The 2007 IODA Asian Optimist Championships launched into action in Singapore on 07 July with four races sailed in perfect conditions. Eighty-three sailors from 15 countries, including a rarely seen team from the Philippines, raced in a consistent 10-knot breeze which prevailed throughout the day.

Recently crowned Singapore national champion, Luke Tan (SIN), leads the competition with 14 points. Behind the leader, Russell Kan (SIN) and Koh Boon Quan (MAS) fought a tight battle with Russell in second place and Boon Quan finishing one point behind in third. 2006 Asian Games silver medalist Navee Thamsoontom (THA) is currently in fifth place tied with Rachel Lee, the top performing girl and Singapore’s female national champion. Jittiwa Thanawitwilat (THA) lies in seventh place overall and as the second best performing girl.

Currently, around 500 sailors from 63 countries in various parts of the world are competing in three Optimist continental championships, including the North American, European and Asian championships. Participants at the IODA European Championship are not allowed to participate in the Worlds and many countries (including Japan) send their second teams to the Asian and North American championships.
The Optimist World Championships will be held from 22 July to 2 August at Cagliari, Italy. Singapore will be represented by Luke Tan, Russell Kan, Rachel Lee, Daniella Ng and Lionel Low.

Racing continues tomorrow till 14 July. Team racing will take place on 11 July, and a spare day has been scheduled on 12 July.

Participating countries: Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Thailand and Singapore.

For full results and photos, please visit http://iodaasians2007.sailing.org.sg