| CANICAL, PORTUGAL-(27-1-2003) From 17-26 July 2003, the XXXIII ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships will be held in Madeira, Portugal, organised by the Madeira Sailing Association, under the auspices of the Portuguese Sailing Federation.
The Championship was last held in Portugal in 1992, when Vilamoura played host. Prior to that, Portugal welcomed the world's youth sailors in 1981 at Sines and 1973 at Troia.
The Quinta do Lorde Yacht Club, based in the natural reserve of Canical on the eastern side of the island, will be the Championship Sailing Centre. July is expected to see good sailing conditions with average winds being 12-15 knots and a water temperature of 22 degrees celsius. The three race courses are approximately a short fifteen minute sail from the sailing centre. With all equipment supplied, racing will take place in the following events:
Single-handed dinghy boys – Laser
Single-handed dinghy girls – Laser Radial
Double-handed dinghy boys – 420
Double-handed dinghy girls – 420
Windsurfing boys – Mistral One-Design
Windsurfing girls – Mistral One-Design
Twelve Races are scheduled, with the first discard coming into play after six races have been completed and the second after nine races have been completed, with five races constituting a series.
The draft Notice of Race has been published, and if there are any other queries at this stage please contact the Federacao Portuguesa de Vela
As would be expected, many of today’s top international sailors were protégés of the ISAF Youth Worlds, and 1992, when Portugal last hosted the event, was no different. Taking bronze in the boy’s single-handed event was Mateusz Kusnierewicz (POL), with Daniel Slater (NZL) taking the silver. Mateusz went onto Olympic Victory. Dan went onto Youth Worlds victory, taking the Gold in 1994, before Olympic selection and representing New Zealand in the 49er event at Sydney 2000. Dan can now be found on board Team New Zealand ready for the America’s Cup Match in position as tactician/traveller calling short or long term wind variations and adjusting the mainsheet. Another top sailor from 1992 was Natasha Sturges who took Gold in the girls’ windsurfing event. Natasha, then held Australian nationality, but now British, and is on her Olympic campaign for Athens 2004.
Whilst these sailors and many more who have participated in past Youth Worlds are heroes to today’s youth, who will be the stars of 2003?
Whilst New Zealand, currently holds the Nations' Trophy, France continues to enjoy the accolade of the nation who has held the title for the most Championships, seven times since 1992.
Madeira is a small island off the south-west coast of Portugal directly west of Morroco. Situated only 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from Europe, Madeira provides a mix of traditional Portuguese culture and beautiful natural resources.
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