415 competitors from 29 countries are prepared to take the starting line tomorrow at the Laser 4.7 European championships. The regatta site is excellent with plenty of room for all competitors, coaches, officials and parents alike. The shallow and nice sandy beach makes the launching of the Lasers quite easy. On the last practice day a southerly breeze of 12-16 knots made sailing pretty pleasant despite the occasional showers. The last “no worries” day was closed by a spectacular opening ceremony. Coach meeting is scheduled Saturday at 8.30 and first warning signal at 11.00. Fingers crossed that the nice breeze holds up.
Some preliminary expectations.
Italian-Argentine coach Marcelo Saguier from Torbole has high expectations. One of his sailors Tommaso Rosa is expected to do well in U16, especially if strong winds are prevailing. He finds the regatta site quite pleasant and adequate, he is all smiles.
Sophie Naughton from Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA is expecting to learn a lot in this big fleet, as she had no opportunity to try herself in such a large event back home. She hopes to get into top form for the World Champs in San Fransisco.
Benjamin Vadnai from Hungary, who has been the guy to beat this year so far, is cooling down expectations. In such a huge regatta anything can happen his says.
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Posted: 8th Jul 2011