Para World Sailing bronze for British duo
by Becky Gilbert-Wood 11 Jul 2019 05:59 BST
30 June - 7 July 2019
Will Street and Johnny Currell RS Venture Connect Para World Sailing Championships © World Sailing
After five days of stiff competition at the Para World Sailing Championships in Puerto Sherry, Spain, British sailors Will Street and Johnny Currell, took home the bronze medal in the RS Venture Connect Final (07 July 2019).
After a disappointing opening day, last year's gold medal winners, Will and Johnny steadily improved throughout the week. Following a good result on the third day of sailing, Johnny said: "We felt faster today and we're sailing more tactically as well. We're slowly improving as the week goes on; we didn't have much training before this so we're happy to be going on an upwards trajectory."
The pair were in a strong position going into the winner-takes-all final, but it was Italian sailors, Olmi and Di Maria that took the gold medal. With Canadians, McRoberts and Lutes finishing second, and Street and Currell coming in third to take the bronze.
Also representing Great Britain, was 17-year-old, Rory McKinna, who finished in ninth place in the men's Hansa 303. The large fleet was made up of 37 sailors, all racing in brand new boats. Polish sailor, Piotr Cichocki dominated the class all week and ultimately clinched gold with a Medal Race victory.
Scots sailor, Rory commented: "The conditions were excellent, the wind was pretty constant, with a few changes in direction - perfect for the Hansas. The competition has really taken a step up in the last year, leading to more exciting races. I thoroughly enjoyed sailing a shiny new boat and was pleased with my performance, achieving my goal of getting into the top 10. Overall, it was a great experience."
91 sailors from 28 nations came together in Puerto Sherry, Cadiz, Spain, in celebration of the best-of-the-best and a showcase of Para-Sailing.
To find out more about sailing opportunities for disabled people, or those that need specific support to get on-the-water visit www.rya.org.uk/sailability.