Selected for The British 420 Team back in May new pairing Nia and Molly (Cardiff) have enjoyed a steep learning curve taking them to the pinnacle of 420 racing at the World Championships in Israel.
The International 420 World Championships were held at the Port of Haifa, organised jointly by the Haifa Municipality, Haifa Sailing Club and the Israeli Yachting Federation, in conjunction with the International 420 Class Association, from 22 to 31 July, 2010. 160 boats, 320 sailors from 6 continents competed. The Championship coincided with a year of celebration of the 50th anniversary of the launching of the first 420 and the first Class Association. Launching from the Hashaket Beach, the ‘quiet beach’ (well, at least until the 420s arrived!), the event benefited from recent modernisation and improvements to Haifa Sailing Club, supported by Haifa Municipality.
The conditions were excellent, from training and practice and through the first two days of racing at the Championship, the Qualifying Series. Competitors, coaches and Race Committee expressed delight at the conditions, mostly with winds of 17 – 22 knots, dropping later on the second day, and with long waves, that many sailors found exhilarating downwind.
For all when on shore, the sun has been hot, 30degreesC and quite humid, so maintaining hydration was a priority. This venue provides long hours of relatively assured wind, and the choice was made to run the racing for both Fleets on the same course, alternating Open and Ladies’ morning and afternoon. Many sailors commented on the contrast with other events at which waiting on shore and lost races have been part of their experience.
Iwan Basten, Performance Manager for Wales said, "It was a great achievement for the girls, who with Sport Wales and Cardiff Bay Yacht Club support have put in a lot of hard work in this season. They have made significant progress during 2010 and making the selection. Sailing at your first world championship is all about learning from the best in the World and the experience can only propel them forward on the UK and World stage for the future!"
The Welsh Pairing narrowly missed the gold fleet but achieved 2nd GBR pairing in their age group.
Roberto Caputo & Bernedetta Barbiero of Italy are Ladies’ World and Junior World 420 Champions 2010 and Justin Liu & Sherman Cheng of Singapore are the World Champions.
In the Ladies’ Championship, Morgan Kiss & Katia Da Silva (USA) won Silver and Christina Celli & Silvia Morini (ITA) Bronze. Joao Villas Boas &Tomas Camelo of Portugal won the Open Silver Fleet and Ilaria Paternoster & Benedetta Di Salle of Italy the Ladies’ Silver Fleet. The Italian Team was the clear winner of the team trophy.
For full event details, photos & results see
http://www.420sailing.org/