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Yachting Australia Corporate Partner
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Yachting Australia
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Australian Youth Championship Underway
Monday, 6th January 2003
The 2003 Australian Youth Championship is now underway, with boats flocking from as far away as the Singapore and Zimbabwe to compete in this prestigious event.
The Championship, now in its fifth year, is being hosted by the Adelaide Sailing Club from West Beach, South Australia. With nearly 70 entries in the event, competition is sure to be fierce, with sailors under the age of 19 competing in the 420, Laser, Radial, 29er and Mistral classes. The event is to be used as one of the nomination events to select the team to represent Australia at the 2003 ISAF Youth World Championship.
Sir James Hardy officially opened the Australian Youth Championship this evening, welcoming competitors and families to Adelaide and expressing his views on the benefits of being involved in International classes.
AYF President Graeme Ainley also took the opportunity to welcome the competitors and thank the various event sponsors, including Ronstan, Glascraft, Australian Major Events, and the AYF supporters; in particular the Australian Sports Commission.
With the focus on the youth, introductions were made by representatives from the Junior Group of the Adelaide Sailing Club, and entertainment provided by a local youth band from the Marrickville High School.
Registration and measurement took place earlier today in the Sea Rescue Headquarters adjacent to the Adelaide Sailing Club. Scorching temperatures and lack of wind caused many sailors to cancel their practice sessions this afternoon; however most competitors participated in the AYF Coaching Clinic which was held on Saturday and Sunday.
A change is forecast for Tuesday with 15-25 knot winds expected to add some excitement to the first races of the series. Three races are scheduled for tomorrow, with the first start set for 11am.
Racing will be conducted for all classes over the next four days, with the presentation scheduled for Friday night.
Along with the daily racing, a hectic social program is scheduled to ensure the competitors can form friendships with fellow sailors and boost the sportsmanship and goodwill of the event.
The Australian International Optimist and Australian International Cadet Championships are being conducted alongside the Australian Youth Championship, to form the Sensational Adelaide Australian Youth Regatta.
A full schedule of racing and social events, along with up to date results and photos are available on the AYF website by following this link:
http://www.yachting.org.au/default.asp?MenuID=2003%20Championship/1010/1230
Erin Cameron
