RS-X Youth World Championship

by RS:X media on 1 Aug 2009 RS:X Youth World Championship: Day 5 Report - Friday, 31 July 2009

The wind peeked at 23 knots. Close to the limit for RS:X Youth Windsurf racing at World Championship level. All three races were full on. The first set of sequences kicking off in 15 -18 knots. The wind has therefore played its hand.
Picking up all the cards in the Youth Women's fleet, Izzy Hamiltion [GBR30] has leap frogged from sixth last night to take the overall lead in spectacular fashion. Three bullets. You cannot be more categorical than that. Lo Sin Lam [HKG5] has also advanced to 2nd overall with a consistent 5,3,2.

Leonore Bosch [FRA10] had the losing hand. The series leader throughout the week is not a strong wind specialist [12, 8, 9]. Luckily, the cushion she built up over the week has served its purpose. She lives to fight another day just four points off the lead. The bad news is that the forecast for tomorrow is for more of the same.

It's really between these three. Helene Noesman [FRA] is six points back and needs something 'big' to happen during the medal race to get onto the podium. She is stronger in a breeze than Leonore and with double points at stake, she is the wild card.

Over in the Youth Men's fleet, The wind has blown a hole in the aspirations of the early leaders. Ali Masters [GBR41] put in a valiant pair of 13s and his championship fell apart in the 12th race when he was caught pushing the line. OCS. Now sixth, but still in with an outside chance if the breeze moderates.

Picking up the pieces, Ron Assulin [ISR] cruised in to a five point lead. Micahilis Malekkides [CYP] went 1, 3, 2 to grab the number two spot. Manfredi Misuraca [ITA] took a trio of six's and went third just one point behind. The only other sailor to threaten trouble for these three is Hadrien Hourichon [FRA] but only if the wind goes light tomorrow.

His 8, 9, 20 today makes him vulnerable in the breeze. Joseph Guegan [FRA], the ISAF Youth World Champion, is ready but needs a miracle to take a place on the podium

The medal race briefing is scheduled for 1030hrs tomorrow. Competitors will be briefed and the schedule of racing will be announced.

This has been a great championship with a variety of wind speeds throughout the week so the podium finishers will be the best all rounders.

Results: http://www.rsxclass.com/events/index.php/rsx-events/rsx-youth-world-championship