Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championships - Overall
by Icarus Sailing Media 31 Oct 2015 01:57 PDT
25-31 October 2015
Welcome to the final day of the IODA Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship 2015 in Qatar. Leaving no margin for error, before the start sailors cross-checked their equipment and checked sail tuning to guarantee their best possible results in the final two races. After some last minute advice from the coaches it was time to go.
Close and intense race track battles have unfolded so far, set against the stunning Doha city backdrop and along the Al Corniche waterfront area. Singapore's sailors have again proved they can deliver in every weather condition and respond to everything the race track throws at them, delivering a super consistent performance.
Thailand has also demonstrated superior scorecards and show great mastery of the conditions.
On their tail, are teams from Turkey, Italy, Oman, Australia and Hong Kong - all in contention for a podium finish. Whilst Singapore was predicted to take the individual Championship title, Thailand had already claimed the Team Racing Championship earlier in the week, after seeing off formidable challenges from China and Singapore.
With lighter conditions today, sailors had to find and tack on the wind shifts. Adding to the race course dynamics, seeking out the wind pressure proved no easy task, due to the high level of competition. Tension was high in the fight for the medals and the dramatic last day piled pressure on the young sailors. Separated into gold and silver fleets for the final 2 races, the leaderboard was still open to challenge. In the final race 1, race was incredibly close with the lead changing hands throughout the race between the sailors of Hong Kong's - Duncan, Turkey's - Efe and Singapore's - Hung.
Some critical errors in the first upwind saw two of Singapore's contenders (Muhammad Daniel and Jodie Lai) digging deep to make up lost ground. Ultimately it was Singapore's Daniel Hung who struck just before the finish to take the win. Onto race 2, and the points advantage racked up by Hung looked unassailable. But there was still a chance for his closest rival and team mate Muhammad Daniel to step up, although a double digit finish after some tactical errors, and the race win to Hung was conclusive. Gold to Daniel Hung after two perfect races, silver to Muhammad Daniel and bronze to Thailand's Suthon Yampinid - in a skilful show of form.
The IODA Optimist Asian and Oceanian Championship 2015 wrapped up with a typically impressive and glamorous medal ceremony, showcasing a real flavour of Qatar's hospitality. Prizes were awarded for the overall Asian Champions and Oceanian Champions. Winners were warmly applauded, and all sailors went out of their way to express their enjoyment of a well run event. See you next year.