Laser Worlds 2010

We had six sailors go to the Worlds this year in Hayling Island in the UK.
Alex Heinzman, Ricardo Montemayer ,Kyle Martin and Ben Scott sailed in the Jr worlds (under 21). This is a new event for the Laser class and is run in conjunction with the Senior Worlds, where Mike Leigh and Luke Ramsay represented Royal Van.

These are some of the toughest events in sailing, the senior fleet is incredibly tough and just getting into the Gold fleet is an achievement onto itself. The weather was perfect with sunshine everyday, increasing thru out, with over 20 kts on the last day.

Our Jr team struggled after a solid first day in the lighter air, Ricardo hung in there the best and made it to the Gold fleet finishing with 23rd, Alex 64th, Ben Scott 79th and Kyle 70th of 120 competing. I think that we all learning a lot and that the team sailed better each day from the half way point on. The European style of racing is largely boat speed and good starting, this work ended up helping Alex and Kyle in the upcoming NQR's in Kingston.

The senior fleet is such a dog fight that even the slightest error of bit of lost concentration can cost you 20 positions, as usual the best of the best were competing and with solid breeze each day for 7 days. Mike had lots of high points but in the end couldnt convert on a few solid races and was below his goal, Luke came within a hair of making Gold fleet, (lost out on a count back), and finished in the top of the silver fleet. Final score- Mike 28th and Luke 63rd overall of 160 competing.

Results - http://www.laserworlds2010.co.uk/events/35495/juniors.htm
http://www.laserworlds2010.co.uk/events/35495/seniors.htm

Thanks to Lillah Martin for all the help at the house we stayed at. Good work to the whole team.

Al