RS Aero Youth World Championship at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy - Day 1
by RS Aero International Class Association 26 Jul 2022 12:45 BST
25-29 July 2022
The wind was howling as sailors awoke on Day 1 of the first RS Aero Youth World Championship at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. With an average wind speed of 20-22kn the 73 entries representing 12 nations were sent out on the water mid-morning for three races inside Portland Harbour.
The breeze and short chop created some really challenging conditions. Sailors needed to wary as the wind flicked both left and right during racing, together with all the regular oscillations and gusts. The triangle/sausage course was set for Day 1, which provided all angles.
The first winner in the 53 boat strong RS Aero 5 fleet on Day 1 was Anouck De Ripainsel (BEL). After three races Tom Ahlheid (GBR) had taken the top spot with a commanding 3,1,1 ahead of Julius Graudums (SWE) with 2,2,4. Sam Blaker (GBR) had a great day to take 3rd overnight with a 5,3,3 putting him a few points ahead of David Peaty in 4th.
In the RS Aero 7s it is Lithuania leading the fleet with Vejas Strelciunas (LTU) scoring 1,2,1. Tim Hire (GBR) holds 2nd with Matt Banbrook (GBR) 3rd and Jack Miller (GBR) 4th, whilst Alastair Brown (GBR) took the win in Race 2.
The wind is set to soften over the next couple of days allowing opportunities all competitors to shine. Glorious blue skies are forecast too - the Sardinians will be pleased to see the sun again after a cloudy windy day!
Check out the results - www.rssailing.com/rs-games-results
Check out the photos of the day by Digital Sailing here - www.digitalsailing.co.uk
Thanks to all the supporters of the RS Games; RS Sailing, Rooster, Selden, Harken, Noble Marine, Kingfisher Yacht Ropes, LifeJacket Skin Protection, Spinlock, Fernhurst Books, Hyde Sails, MarkSetBot, Digital Sailing and Allen Sailing.