Brazilians win Lightning Youth World Championship

Ridgeway, ONT (July 2, 2014) – On the fourth and final day of racing at the Lightning Youth World Championship, “typical” Buffalo Canoe Club weather finally prevailed. PRO Rob Ruhlman reported “winds were steady from 240 – 230 and increased as the day went on from 6-7 to 15-16 knots.” Three races were sailed to complete the six-race series, with the title won by the Brazilian team of Felipe Rondina, Jose Afonso Hackerott and Thomas Sylvestre.

Going in to the day, the US Team of Jonathan Lutz, Alexandra Jones and Nicholas Sertl were ahead of the Brazilian Team by 4 points. By the final race today, the Brazilian Team held a 1 point advantage over Team Lutz because a discard race was now in play. At the first windward mark, Rondina was just ahead of Lutz. At the second weather mark, Lutz had passed Rondina but still needed to put a boat between them for the win. A good battle was fought and in the end the Team from Brazil took the bullet to clinch the title.

Rebecca Huyard, Sam Adelhelm and Liem McCarthy from the USA had a 4 point lead over fellow Americans Sam Jones, Leeanne Jones and Kendra Jones for third place. Cristobal Molina Lorca, Jens Kuhlenthal Pfeffer and Pedro Andres Vera Carrera from Chile were just one point behind them going into the last race. The Chileans were able to secure fifth place to finish third overall with 24 points. Teams Huyard and Jones tied for fourth with 25 points – Huyard won the tie breaker because she had won Race 5.

The Lightning Youth Worlds provides an opportunity for young sailors 19 and under to meet, compete and create long-lasting friendships and connections to this International Class. The boats are provided, housing is provided, and although the level of competition is top-notch, the fun is abundant.

Competitor Abbie Probst asked a few people “What was your favorite part of the regatta?” Here’s what they had to say: Canadian Julianne MacDonald: “Going to Niagara Falls and bonding with all the different teams.” American Anna Heubschmann: “Meeting people from all over the world.” Brazilian Thomas Sylvestre: “Getting to know different people and experiencing different cultures with fun times.” American Becca Jordan: “All the volunteers were wonderful, very helpful and encouraged all the sailors to do their best.” Andrew Dunbar, volunteer crash boat coordinator: “The starts, even if they are all recalled. I will watch sailboat starts all day long. ”

Regatta Chair Ian Jones and his entire team did an incredible job of putting on a top notch regatta.

The Lightning Youth Worlds are held every other year. The next Lightning Youth World Championship is scheduled to be held in 2016 in a South American Country TBD.

Event details: http://lightningclass.org/racing/results/2014/youthworlds.asp
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125154754@N06/sets/72157644615088139/

Report by class media.