ISAF Youth World Championships

ISAF Youth World Championships –

Day Three Results are in after day three of racing at the ISAF World Youth Sailing Championships in Poland.

Day three of the regatta was sailed in south westerly conditions that have prevailed through the early stages of the regatta though somewhat lighter breeze than in the initial two days. The New Zealand team produced some inconsistent results across the board which in most cases saw them slip slightly down the leader board in their respective classes. Despite this, across the seven classes the kiwis have three within the top eight of their fleets.

Team Manager Paul Page comments, "A lot of the team were disappointed with their results today. Some small mistakes cost them placings." Though Page also points out that there are another five races to be sailed in a regatta where results of only ten of the twelve scheduled races are counted. "Everyone can end the regatta well," he says.

Tomorrow is a lay day for the sailors before the final three days of racing. Yachting New Zealand National Programmes Coordinator, Julie Worth believes that a day off mid regatta can make quite a difference to the sailors. "It will give them the time to rest and relax, and come back with renewed energy to finish the regatta on a strong note," she says.

Laser Radial sailor, Jo Aleh is a tough competitor and sitting currently in 5th place she is in close contention with the girls that are just ahead of her. Aleh performed well earlier this year at the Laser Radial World Championships in Brisbane, where she had top ten results in both the Girl's Youth fleet and the Women's Open fleet.

Americas Cup legend Russell Coutts is on site at the ISAF World Youth Championships in Poland and has been interacting with all competing sailors. Coutts represented New Zealand three times at this regatta, winning a gold medal in 1981. The fact that he has gone on to such a successful yacht racing career from similar beginnings will undoubtedly provide the New Zealand team with inspiration.

NEW ZEALAND RESULTS AFTER DAY THREE:

Laser Radial - Jo Aleh (Kohimarama Yacht Club) - 5th
Laser - Blair McLay (Torbay Sailing Club) - 11th
Mistral Girls - Hayley Thom (Kohimarama Yacht Club) - 6th
Mistral Boys - Antonio Cozzolino (Mistral Owners Association) - 14th
Hobie 16 Open - Michael Thorpe / Rosie Sargisson - 8th

Did you know?

More than 2/3rds of New Zealander's say they are interested in yachting (source: NBR Compaq poll)

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