Lightning Young Guns competing for World Title

The International Lightning Class Youth World Championship has come to Salinas Yacht Club in Salinas, Ecuador. The extremely prestigious event is by invitation only where youth teams become eligible through qualifying events in their country. This year’s field consists of 20 teams from 8 countries that will compete on July 24-27.

All visiting sailors and their families have been feeling quite welcomed by the Salinas Yacht Club. Wonderful facilities and friendly locals have contributed to a quick entry into what promises to be a memorable week. The sailors are making new friends and reacquainting with those they met at the Youth Worlds in 2014, and the dry-sail area’s location adjacent to the main terrace/dining spot allows for a great deal of interaction.

After the Boat Draw, a team of volunteers (including current SYC Commodore and Past ILCA President Paco Sola) went through a boat checklist with each team. The Practice Race on July 23 was a great way for the teams to get acquainted with these boats and waters with the Opening Ceremonies held out on a point of land within the Yacht Club Grounds. The teams paraded in by country, we had a flag raising and some motivational speeches by a few dignitaries, including Paco Sola, Victor Lobos, and the President of the Ecuadorian Sailing Federation

This was followed by a fantastic dinner buffet held in the 2 story, incredibly gorgeous and comfortable Fishing Pavilion. This structure is just another amenity of this gorgeous and comfortable yacht club.
While some parents chose to enjoy the comfort and hospitality into the evening, the sailors all headed off to their lodging in anticipation of the first day of racing.

Race Day 1 – July 24
Racing was in 7-10 knot breeze from the Southwest. While there were a few small shifts, the velocity differences seemed to be the bigger factor.

The Brazilian team of Felipe Rondina/Thomas Petrie Sylvestre/Christian Lacerda Shaw were dominant, not only in their acquisition of two 1st place finishes, but in their strong performance all the way around the track. They are a well-oiled team on the water and supplement this with a friendly demeanor on shore.

The day begins with a horn indicating launching is open. Prior to this no boat can leave their dry-sail spot. Therefore, the horn creates a situation worthy of expanding the sailing rules to include situations arising while the boats are on their trailers.

While the top spot is currently dominated by team Brazil, the remainder of the field is open for the taking. A tie for 2nd place between the Ecuadorian team of Ignacio Vidal/Romina Di Iulio/Irene Suarez and the US team of Tanner Probst/Jenna Probst/Maya Weber merely is the beginning of some very close scores. If the 2 races scheduled day 2 are complete, a throw-out will come into play.

Event details – Scoreboard

Source: Debbie Probst