WIS Kids Sail Through the Summer!

Lewis Clark (Year 11), Dylan Richards (Year 10) and Karrie Clark (Year 9) travelled to Long Beach, California for three weeks over the summer to compete in the 29er US Nationals and World Championships. Lewis and Dylan sailed together for both events whilst Karrie sailed with one of her coaches for the US Nationals.

115 boats competed in the US Nationals with 41 different nations represented. Conditions were windier than the boys had hoped for, but they rose to the challenge. Day 3 of the event for the boys was by far their best day finishing with an 8th and 15th. Overall they finished 22nd in the silver fleet.

Karrie found the event to be a huge learning experience, she was one of the youngest helms on the water and having never raced in the 29er before took the event naturally in her stride. The first days racing saw Karrie produce two brilliant results finishing 8th and 14th, at the beginning of her 3rd race Karrie had a collision on the start line with 2 other boats, this threw her and with the wind steadily increasing, she eventually retired. Karrie finished 15th overall in silver fleet.

The 29er Worlds started 2 days later, 6 days of racing was split into two parts, 3 days qualifying followed by 3 days of finals. 130 boats competed with 50 different nations represented. After one weeks training followed by the Nationals, the boys were keen for the main event to begin. Day 2 of qualifying was by far the boys shining moment when they finished 5th, a great confidence boast for them; the boys qualified into the silver fleet for the last three days of racing and produced consistent results finishing 85th overall. The boys should be really proud of their achievement; the standard of sailing was very high throughout the competition. They look forward to the next World Championships coming to Hong Kong in January to improve on their result.

Finally, the sailing was amazing but they have also come away from the event with new friends, and experiences that will live with them forever.

Well done to all WIS Sailors!