BC Sailors make waves at 2023 Youth Worlds!

Three BC Sailors attended the ILCA Youth World championships in Dziwnow Poland from July 1st to 9th, a 12 race regatta held over 6 days, with 3 days of measurement at the beginning.

 

Rory Walsh, ( current Canadian National Youth Champion), Alex Zaputil ( Winner of the Jr Olympics Regatta in Seattle last August ) and Mattieu Graham ( Waves regatta winner 2023 ) travelled with the Canadian team of eleven to Poland.

 

365 sailors attended the regatta, 100 coaches, and hundreds of parents. A big event.

 

The team trained for five days prior to the event and were well prepared. The regatta started with heavy winds and large waves and for the three days of qualifying the winds stayed strong.

 

There were four fleets where sailors qualified for after the first three days. Rory improved through the first three days and ended up in the Silver fleet, which guaranteed him a top half result. Alex and Mattieu ended up in the emerald fleet.

 

The boys finished the regatta well with Rory ending up 93rd overall, 2nd Canadian. Alex and Mattieu sailing very well and were at the top of their fleet. A great experience for three BC sailors. Many memories with new friends and lots of learning going into their future sailing events. Rory is sailing the North Americans in Long Beach California July 14-16, and all three sailors are to compete in the Youth Nationals in Kingston August 7-11, 2023.

 

Good luck!

Submitted by Al Clark – Sail Canada Coach for the event