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Youth Worlds Day 3: Final Tilt Lies Ahead For Make-Or-Break Aussies

Published Thu 19 Jul 2018

Australians remain in podium positions in three classes but face “a day and a half where it’s all going to be won and lost” at the Youth World Championships at Corpus Christi in Texas.

By the end of a busy and challenging third day at the regatta - the penultimate full day of racing - 29er boys crew Henry Larkings and Miles Davey showed immense discipline to put a false start in the first race behind them and recover with a win and a 3 to hold down 3^rd place, six net points behind the leaders from Norway.

Otto Henry and Rome Featherstone are in a battle to retain their title. PHOTO: James Tomlinson/World Sailing

Defending champions Otto Henry and Rome Featherstone have been consistent in the six races so far in the 420 boys class, though they will need something special on the final full day of racing tomorrow to give themselves a chance of toppling the top-placed American crew, who lead by 12 net points from the Australians.

Zac Littlewood is in striking range of the lead. PHOTO: James Tomlinson/World Sailing

And, Zac Littlewood sailed a discarded 11 in the last Laser Radial race of the day and is nine points behind the leader from New Zealand.

“Again it was a rough day for some but we’ve still got the three classes in medal contention,” Team Leader Tristan Brown said.

“Otto and Rome are still in second, Henry and Miles are in third – they got fifth in that race they were over the start line in and if they had counted they’d be a point off the lead, so they’re clearly sailing well. They re-grouped pretty well after that to get a 1 and 3.

“Tomorrow looks like it’s going to be quite windy and extremely hot, too. Because there’s only one race for all classes on the last day, tomorrow’s the last chance to make your big major move. Everyone will re-assess tomorrow night with one race to go. But the next day and a half is where it’s all going to be won and lost.”

Amelia Quinlan is among those looking to finish strongly. PHOTO: Jen Edney/World Sailing

Brown said that with the afternoon session not getting off the water until 6 or 7pm, it’s been hard to keep the Team together. However, he added, “the others are buoyed by seeing the rest of their teammates do well overall and they’re looking to finish off strongly”.