The Morning Chat

We are now into the post lay-day, final part of the championship here in Madeira, and following the activities or relaxation of yesterday, all the competitors are ready for the next races.

Two races are scheduled for today in all fleets and the current weather forecast is for Northerly and north-easterly winds of around 20 – 25 knots and as we look over the race area from the exhalted position here at Quinta do Lorde, one can already see the white tops of waves as they are blown away from us in the offshore wind. It’s going to be a big day!

This morning in the dinghy park, ISAF had a chat with two of the Laser sailors who are here, funded as part of the ISAF Athlete Participation programme. Joao de Menzies FRANCISCO from Angola, and Jessee BESSON from Tahiti.

Jessee Besson (TAH) © Fiona Kidd

Joao is 18, and previously sailed Optimists. As this is his first Youth Worlds I asked him how he is finding the experience.

“I am used to sailing in the bay of Rwanda, where, at 1 o’clock the breeze fills in from the same direction. It is very stable and not as windy as it is here, the water is also flatter.” He went on to comment, “shifty is not good!”

A real positive feeling from all the competitors at the championship is the amount that they are learning and the acquaintances that are being formed. “I have made a good friend in the Slovenian Laser Sailor.” Joao noted.

Jessee Besson is 16 and has only been sailing a Laser for 12 months in his native Tahiti. Recently moved on from Optimists, Jessee is at his first Youth Worlds and is finding the experience gratifying. Currently lying 22 in the Boys single-handed fleet, Jessee is critical of his performance. “I can do a lot better, there are times when I am lying fifth or sixth in the fleet and then I just lose out”

Joao de Menzies Francisco (ANG) © Fiona Kidd

All four fleets have left the beach for two races today and the breeze is constantly building. Changing conditions that should again see results move around for all concerned. With brand new equipment – provided by Nautivela, Performance Sailcraft, and Mistral – racing is purely down to the ability of each individual sailor.

ISAF will bring you the latest news and results from today’s racing, as it happens.

Current Fleet Leaders – After 7 Races