Poland Leading Boys And Girls Fleets

After two days of racing and four races in the Optimist European Championship, 2004, Sandhamn, Sweden, 15 year old Wojciech ZEMKE (POL), is in the lead in the boys group with a remarkable stable series; two seconds and two third places.

Second overall is Swedens Nicklas DACKHAMMAR who took his third victory yesterday in race four, group two and is very satisfied with the light winds. “I´m better in light winds,” says 14 year old Nicklas, who is competing in his first OptiEuropeans. He was nine in the Worlds 2003, Canary Islands, and aimed for the Worlds this year too. “Unfortunately I messed up in the qualifying and ended up in the European Championship which I´m very happy with for the moment.” Nicklas has set his mind on a podium position and is so far well on his way!

Poland is also in the lead in the girls group with Agnieszka SKRZYPULEC, 15, her series is 1,2,9,4, total 16 points. Skrzypulec is three points ahead of Afrodite KIRANAKOU, from Greece, who is 12 years old and competing in her first big international event. She started in Optimist three years ago, and has so far scored well this year at Lago di Garda, finishing as the second best European, 39 overall. “I didn´t expect to be second when I came here”, says the young Greek with number one in her sail and a name that puts her under obligation. “But why not win! I have nothing to loose.

The championship started on Monday and ends on Friday with 270 participants from 37 countries. The weather so far has been sunny, warm and light breezes from north to east. The weather forecast for the end of the week is increasing winds.

Top Ten Boys After Four Races

Top Five Girls After Four Races