Laser Radial Worlds - Opening ceremony overshadowed by death

by Laser World Championship on 16 May 2012 The Laser Radial World Championship opening ceremonies got under way in Boltenhagen, Germany, amid a subdued mood. Timo Jacobs, a starboat sailor and member of the hosting sailing club's NRV Olympic Team, had unexpectedly passed away at the age of 29 the night before.

Principal Race Officer Klaus Lahme, friend and club member of Timo Jacobs, gave a speech in his honour. 'Timo was a role model athlete. With two metres in height and 100 kilos body weight he was a pure example of power and health. It is very hard to accept that Timo is no longer with us' he said visibly moved.

After the Men's Standard event where Australian Tom Slingsby won his fifth World Championship it is now time for the 135 registered women from 55 countries to take to the water in Boltenhagen, Germany. The sailors will compete in twelve races to decide who takes home the title of World Champion. The prize giving will take place on Sunday, May 20, at the Weiße Wiek.

During the day over 20 sailors took part in the practice race and in a surprising turn of events all of the participants crossed the finishing line. In a light breeze the race lasted half an hour. The forecast for tomorrow looks good for the morning with sunny spells, but the overcast sky might bring some rain in the afternoon. The wind is predicted to be a southeasterly breeze between ten and thirteen knots with maximum temperatures around 13 degrees Celcius.

Laser Worlds website