Day 2 of Laser Radial World Youth Champs
After a day and a half sitting waiting for the wind, a steady, building northerly breeze trickled down the Clyde yesterday afternoon (21 July) allowing racing to commence at the Laser Radial World Youth Championship in Largs.
The conditions were far from what the senior Radial fleet experienced at their world championship the previous week when gusts of 40kts swept through the fleet, but adequate enough to allow the 320 competitors to enjoy the first tactical race of the series.
On the girls’ course, set further to the north of Cumbrae, the situation was equally exciting with Julia Vallo Arjonilla (ESP) winning the first race in the Blue fleet and finishing third in Race 2 which puts her in a leading overall position. Pauline Barwinska (POL) snatched a win in Yellow fleet when Marketa Audyova (CZE) who crossed the line first, was deemed OCS.
Barwinska, fresh from competing at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Turkey is another race sharp sailor who showed she’s a real force to be reckoned with. She’s only been competing at international level for one year, so today’s result has given her a massive boost. The Japanese girls are also on top form with Manami Doi, and Momoko Tada taking wins in the second races (Yellow and Blue fleets).
Paulina Barwinska (POL): “I had a close race with Marketa Audyova (CZE). I had a good start and rounded the first mark in second place. I was on her tail all the time but couldn’t quite catch her and crossed the line about 10m behind. However, she was over the line at the start so was disqualified. I think keeping your eyes open for wind shifts and gusts was very important today, and also keeping a look out for other sailors. It was very tricky out there but at least we got some good wind.”
Julia Vallo Arjonilla (ESP): “I won the first race and finished third in the second so I am very pleased with my results. I think the starts were important today. If you have a good start you have more choice to think about where to go. I also had a lot of boat speed, which was also key today, in the tricky conditions. Thankfully I managed two good starts and had two good finishes!”
To find out more about the Laser Radial Youth Worlds Regatta, or to read the news from the boy’s fleet, visit the event website : Event Website:
