WAIS Sailing Report
WAIS Sailing congratulates Steven Thomas for his second consecutive win in the 29er World Championships held in Lake Garda, Italy. He won convincingly, without having to sail the last two races.
It is a great win for him, following his first 49er World Championships where he finished 16th in the silver fleet. “Lake Garda is a very fun place to sail. I have learnt so much at the 49er Worlds too” he said.
The WAIS program is lucky to have the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships coming to our shores in two and a half years time, which is bringing the world sailors to us.
The Emerging Nations Programme, introduced by Perth 2011 is an initiative that is bringing the world sailors closer to Perth sooner. WAIS sailors are gaining from the chance to get some intensive sailing and racing, as well as some great discussions at the theory talks held each evening.
The programme aims to assist sailors from emerging nations to improve their sailing skills and knowledge, giving them the best chance to be able to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games, through competing in the Worlds in 2011. Camps are being run by Perth 2011, and the first camp is currently being held from Fremantle Sailing Club.
There are nine sailors from eight nations, with three in each of the classes of Laser, Laser Radial and RSX men.
The camp is going very well with a mix of sailing training sessions, theory sessions, fitness sessions and racing which was held over the weekend.
Fremantle Sailing Club hosted the racing on Saturday, in a moderate south westerly. The Laser sailor from Moldova had a great day finishing second twice to WAIS athlete Tristan Brown, who is sailing a laser for the camp.
RSX sailors had a good day with some planning conditions and waves, and Joshua Choo from Singapore had the best day. He continued his form into Sunday racing on the river.
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club hosted a regatta on Sunday for the ENP sailors, WAIS sailors and local WA sailors to compete. It was a great day of racing, with 21 Lasers and many tactical decisions made in the light easterly winds.
The RSX sail boards were racing in the biggest fleet we have seen in Perth so far! Chinese Taipei and Singapore sailors showed the art of pumping the sail in the light winds to get in front of the fleet. The young WAIS sail boarder, Eamon Robertshaw is learning at a rapid rate, being able to copy the moves of the Asian sailors, and close the gap to them in the racing. With his aim of sailing at the Youth World Championships next year, he is enjoying having some competition.
The Lasers on Sunday sailed seven races and WAIS athlete David Gilmour jumped into the class to try it out, with an interest in getting more race experience. He pushed the front of the fleet with fellow WAIS sailors Mark Whittington and Tristan Brown both enjoying the tactical battles! Gabriel Moran from Ecuador was second to Tristan, with Alex Denisuic from Moldova in third. David Gilmour was over the line at the start of the sixth race, costing him a place in the top three.
On the 420 course, it was great to see Mat Jerwood and Patrick Vos back on the water after a study break, winning convincingly.
The Laser Radial is sailed by women and youth, and up and coming WA sailor Mat Wearn won five of the seven races, beating Martina Ciotti from FSC and Anna Aile in third from Latvia.
The programme continues through to next Monday.
Many thanks to all who helped organise the racing, as it showcases our wonderful sailing training conditions, showcasing Perth as a world class sailing venue.
Belind Stowell, WAIS Head Sailing Coach.