IODA 2014 Optimist Asian Team Racing Championship - Day 1
by Icarus Sailing Media 3 Apr 2014 22:04 AEDT
3-4 April 2014
IODA Optimist Asian Team Racing Championship day 1 © Jaffar Ali
Welcome to Bahrain and the prestigious Optimist Asian Championship organized by the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association under the authority of the International Optimist Dinghy Association.
Al Jazaeer beach is full of life and fun as more than 130 sailors from 22 nations gathered to participate and to take their chances for the crown. The title contenders are many and the competition level is high so everyoneʼs focused on gear preparation. Today the Optimist Asian Team Racing Championship is taking place so the top 4 sailors of the qualified countries will join their forces looking for a place on the podium.
Team racing is a unique format providing great action and thrilling moments. The key to success is for the young sailors to group their skills into a coordinated attack. Boat handling and speed are mandatory but not enough. Beside these important factors strategy and tactical decisions as well as deep knowledge on rules all come into play. Working as a team is never an easy task as it sometimes requires sacrificing yourself. And you always have to look after your mates. But thereʼs nothing better for sharing moments with your best friends and having the privilege to represent your country.
Tricky weather conditions today with ups and downs in wind strength and direction allowing the more experienced team racers to showcase their skills. Singapore, Thailand, Japan and China are the teams who will fight tomorrow for the prestigious title. For the rest of the sailors, tomorrow is a lay day so theyʼll have enough time to prepare for the individual optimist Asia Championship which continues on Friday with 3 more races scheduled. Donʼt miss it!