2009 Open 470 Class Junior European Championships - Day One

by Intl. 470 Class Association on 11 Aug 2009
2009 470 Junior European Championships Day One report.

In what was forecast to be, and was, a light wind opener, the first day of racing at the 2009 470 Junior European Championships saw the hot favourites and recently crowned 2008 470 Junior World Champions, Sofian Bouvet and Jeremie Mion open with an excellent 2,1 performance in the yellow fleet and lead the series overall. Before this Championship got under way, they clearly indicated their intent to claim gold on Lake Balaton, before going on to prove their ability in the senior fleet at the 470 Worlds next week in Denmark.

The 92 entries finally registered for the 470 Junior European Championship have been split into three fleets for the qualifying series.

An equally strong opening day was presented by the team of Sebastian Peri Brusa and Santiago Masseroni (ARG), who placed a 1,3 to lead the yellow fleet. The pink fleet was led by Pauline Courtois and Marion Bouillerce (FRA), who placed a consistent 4,3. 2009 marks their first appearance competing at a 470 Junior European Championship, but they are fresh from the 470 Junior Worlds where they placed sixth in the women's fleet.

The recent bronze medal winners at the 470 Junior Worlds and defending champions from last year's 470 Junior Europeans, the Italian team of Luca and Roberto Dubbini started their mission on a cautious note with an 8,2 in the pink fleet, behind team mates Simon Sivitz Kosuta and Jas Farneti, who themselves finished seventh at last year's 470 Junior Europeans.

After two races, Sofia Bouvet and Jeremie Mion (FRA) lead, followed by Makarios Neoclaras and Orestis Tsangk (GRE), with Sebastian Peri Brusa and Santiago Masseroni (ARG) in third.

There are a number of teams from outside Europe, including two teams from Singapore a team from Malaysia and from the USA. USA is one of two mixed teams who are competing on Lake Balaton, with Stephanie Hudson helming and Alexander Sachs at the front.

The qualifying series will continue until Wednesday 12 August with a total of 6 races scheduled, with the final series from 13-16 August with 7 races scheduled including the Medal Race. The 470 Junior European Championship is being sailed consecutively with the 420 Junior European Championship.

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