Slow start at Lightning Youth World Championship

Ridgeway, ONT (June 29, 2014) – The Lightning Youth World Championship kicked off today with 72 competitors from 3 different continents and 5 different countries. Principal Race Office Rob Ruhlman made a valiant effort to get some racing underway, ultimately completing one race on the first day.

The Brazilian Team of Felipe Rondina, Jose Afonso Hackerott and Thomas Sylvestre took the line honor of the first race. Cristobal Molina Lorca, Jens Kuhlenthal Pfeffer and Pedro Andres Vera Carrera from Chile were second and the American Team of Jonathan Lutz, Alexandra Jones and Nicholas Sertl finished third.

With the regatta underway many of the “boxes” on our goal sheet have been checked. Equally tuned, nearly new fleet of 24 Lightnings—check! Great gear bags, lunch coolers and water bottles distributed—check! International camaraderie and bonding—check! Multi-national volleyball tournament with plenty of spectators—check! World Cup viewing with the Brazilian and Chilean teams watching side by side—check! Regatta organization and volunteer efforts among the finest—check! Great racing on Lake Erie at the home of many Lightning World and North American Champions– . . . well, we’re working on that.

The Buffalo Canoe Club is home to some of the best freshwater sailing, beach volleyball and beach ultimate Frisbee a teenager could hope for. Although Mother Nature has produced some “It’s Never Like This Here” breeze (or lack thereof), one race and an entire volleyball tournament has been completed and the international relationships are forming very quickly.

The forecast is promising and we are sure to get back on schedule. Racing continues through July 2.

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.

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

Report by class media.