As with so many junior regattas, there is sparse information coming out of the Optimist Worlds in Poland. However, the good news overnight is that Australian Otto Henry is in 10th place in Gold fleet and is poised for the best finish ever by an Australian in the Optimist Dinghy.
Alex Higgins missed Gold fleet but sits in 13th place in Silver.
Here's the report from yesterday:
It's been a long time waiting and finally there was great wind, which combined with clear skies and sunshine made for a wonderful day of racing. A constant 15 knots blew from the West allowing Race Committee to run the maximum permitted number of three races per day today. Strong currents contributed extra challenges to boat manoeuvrability. No more floating around, it was on. More wind allows for longer courses with longer legs between marks. This allows for competitors to try different tactics, which are increased in difficulty across a longer course, and test their variety of competitive skills. In accordance with the sailing instructions the time limit per race is 90 minutes. 'Boats failing to finish within 20 minutes after the first boat sails the course and finishes' will receive a DNF without a hearing. This means you have to make your decisions quickly and commit, no time to waste.
According to Jury member Boguslaw Moczorodyński all factions, from competitors and coaches to Committee and oraganizers, should be pleased with today. Conditions were excellent and the level of competition is very high. There are a great number of impressive young sailors at this event. He also stressed that one of the great advantages of sports in general and of sailing is that it is possible to create a level playing field across multiple cultures, nationalities, and customs.
The IODA World Championships consists of four days of qualifying and two days of finals. Today ended the qualifying rounds with Solvenia's Rok Verderber [SLO 2307] leading with 9 points followed by Thailand's Suthon Tampinid [THA 2243] with 19 points and Singapore's Jodie Lai [SIN 117] with 26 points. Jodie being the only female competitor in the top 10. Fleets are now seperated as Gold/ Silver/ Bronze/ Emerald as designated by number of points earned.
Results here.
