2023 ILCA U-21 Sailing World Championships at Tangier, Morocco - Overall
by ILCA / Prow Media 24 Oct 2023 07:41 BST
15-22 October 2023
The final day of the ILCA U21 World Championship had arrived, and the anticipation was palpable as the sailors made their way to the racing area. The sailors were met with an increasing northeast-east wind, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the championship.
The day started with rain and a canopy of grey skies, creating tension and uncertainty. However, the sailors remained undaunted as they knew that the weather could be as unpredictable as the competition itself.
At midday, halfway through the first race, there was a substantial wind increase, turning the racecourse into a cauldron of difficulty and skill. Due to the unfortunate weather, only one race could be sailed. The sailors had to summon all their expertise to navigate the increasingly tumultuous conditions as the wind was a steady 20 knots with some gusts of 25 knots. After the first race was finished, the race committee decided to hoist AP over A flag, indicating there would be no more racing for the day.
In the ILCA 6 fleet, Eve McMahon from Ireland has become the 2023 U21 World Champion with 54 points. In second place is Anja von Allmen from Switzerland, with 68 points, and in third place, with 81 points, is Italian Carlotta Rizzardi.
Eve stated after the regatta, "I was delighted to take the win! Last year, I finished second, so I wasn't too happy about that. So again, I am delighted to then take the win this year. It was a very tough last day and very very windy. I didn't make life too easy for myself, as I capsized on one of the downwinds, but I got my boat back up on time, so it was okay. I'm just delighted to be here. It's a very good fleet, so I was just trying to stay as consistent as possible, and it paid off."
After a tough and close race in the ILCA 7 fleet, the top position and world champion title goes to Great Britain's Finley Dickinson with 40 points. With consistent sailing throughout the event, Oskar Madonich from Ukraine is in second place with 56 points. In third place is Caleb Armit from New Zealand with 85 points.
Finley recounted after racing," Today, as the last day of the Under 21 Worlds, it was very windy. Probably upwards of 25 knots at one point, and there was quite a downwind! Thankfully, I managed to win the race, which was a really good way to end the event. I'd just like to say the event was really well done. And I also liked that the Ukrainian (Oskar) and I fought. Just would like to say that it's phenomenal that in that kind of wind, he was right on my side and stayed with me all day. He sailed really well."
The final race has been a true test of the sailors' character and determination, making for a thrilling and unforgettable conclusion to the ILCA U21 World Championship 2023. Congratulations to all the winners!
Full results here.
Organizing partners are the Royal Yacht Club de Tangier and Tangier Sailing in conjunction with the ILCA.
Find out more at 2023ilcau21.ilca-worlds.org