Exciting times! The America’s Cup has just ended, in a sail-off that finally bought the event into the realms of a top sporting event. The Swiss (so called) won from the Kiwis by just one second in what in other sports would have been called a photo finish. Heart-stopping stuff! For those that didn’t have a chance to follow the event live but want to catch up there’s a good and short run-down on all the Challenger series and the America’s Cup itself on the website www.americascup.com
Right now the ISAF Sailing Worlds are on for the Olympic Classes in Cascais, Portugal. I know so many people competing that I find myself constantly scanning the result for updates. So far, of my ex-pupils Fernando Echaverri of Spain has won the Tornado Worlds and Iain Percy (GBR) got Bronze in the Star Worlds. The event finals are staggered over a number of days, so there are more results to come yet.
Of particular interest is the Yngling Class. My old crew Annie Lush is middlewoman with Shirley Robertson and Lucy MacGregor. They are locked in battle with Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson with the Sarahs and Pippa in first place, one point in front of Shirley, Annie and Lucy. This event is the most important part of the British Olympic Trials, so it is an all important regatta for them all. The tension must be incredible there in Portugal. Come to think of it, I’ve coached them all at one time or another. www.cascaisworlds2007.com
