WAIS Sailing Gears Up for European Season
WAIS Sailing is going into a competition phase now with the European Summer racing season, but spring temperatures, in full swing.
Australian Sailing Team members are performing well at the World Cup events, and our WAIS sailors are launching into their overseas campaigns. Mark Whittington was competing overseas in the Laser (full rig)for the first time, in Medemblik, Holland at the Delta Lloyd World Cup. He was there with his training partner,Ki-Raphael Sukowlski also in the Laser, and Tim Castles, competing in the Finn class.
Whittington sailed very well for his first International World Cup event, making Gold fleet and having some race finishes in the top 20. He finished 47th overall while his great mentorwon the event. Australian Sailing Team member and three time World Champion, Tom Slingsby sailed a solid series to win by 25 points.
In the Finn, Tim Castles finished 36th just below mid fleet so needs to use the time in Europe now to work on some specifics before competing in Kiel, Germany on June 19-23. He will be joined by fellow WAIS sailors, Patrick Vos in the Youth RSX windsurfer, Steven Thomas with his crew and Nick Brownie in the 49er class. Carrie Smith and Ella Clark will compete in the 420 class in Kiel, the week after the Olympic classes.
The Singapore Laser Trophy started today and Matthew Wearn, Mark Whittington and Ki-Raphael Sukowlski will compete in the Laser full rig, getting some race experiencein lighter winds and current, in preparation for theLaser and Laser Radial Worlds in the UK in August. The Singaporeevent finishes on the 6th of June.
At home, the winter weather is giving us a lot oftraining in light winds which is a great contrast from our summer breezes.
I depart soon for Europe to coach in Kiel and then on to Poland for the RSX Youth European Championships in June.
Best wishes and fair sailing,
Belinda
Many thanks to programme partners, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, Yachting Australia, Yachting Western Australia and programme sponsor, Pro Choice Safety.
Thanks also toproviders andsupporters of the programme, Fremantle Sailing Club and Perth 2011.