WA Sailors Compete at Class World Titles in Portugal and Japan
Racing is underway at the 49er/49erFX World titles in Portugal and at the 470 Junior World Championships in Japan with WA talent in the thick of the action at both events.
Weather conditions had delayed the start of competition at Portugal’s Matosinhos course but with wind conditions improving, racing commenced on Wednesday with three races completed in 49er competition and two races finished in the 49erFX.
WA sailor David Gilmour and his crew Joel Turner currently sit 22nd overall in the 49er class following; 14th, ninth and seventh place finishes.
Lachy Gilmour and Ryan Donaldson posted; 11th, 18thand 17th position finishes to rank 44th overall.
In the 49erFX class, WA duo Caitlin Elks and Hayley Clark returned 18th and sixth place finishes to currently occupy 19thposition overall, whilst Ella Clark – crewing for Amelia Stabback – is further back in 49th position after 26th and 21stposition finishes.
At the 470 Junior World Championships in Enoshima, WA pair Nia Jerwood and crew Monique De Vries currently hold a podium position ranking in third place.
The duo got off to a shaky start, recording a 22ndposition finish in race one – which is currently not counted towards their total score as a points drop. They responded brilliantly however, to register top 10 finishes in five of the next six races to establish a position towards the front of the fleet, with the highlight returned in race four where the WA athletes earned a race win.
WA sailor Orla Mullholland-Patterson – who is crewing for Sophie McIntosh – holds 18th position overall but are still in the hunt for a top 10 finish.
In the men’s fleet, WA athlete Chris Charlwood and his crew Josh Dawson are in 11th position on 65 points. A black flag disqualification in race seven has meant the pair has had to keep 16thand 21st position scores, outside of what has otherwise been a very strong regatta towards the front of the race fleet.
Racing continues at both events through to the weekend medal rounds.