The British teams scored a double victory in the 29er fleets. The Girl’s team of Frances Peters and Claire Lasko were delighted to have the gold medal in the bag after the second race of the day. They were mostly pleased about the consistency throughout the week’s competition. They were disappointed with their performance at the Youth Nationals despite winning the event because they felt they could have done better but here was a different story. Peters commented, "It hasn't sunk in yet. It is a relief because this is what we have been working towards for so long. Seven hours out on the water in December has finally paid off and it is all worth while now. This is why we did all that training and worked so hard.”

ames Peters, brother of Frances, and Edward Fitzgerald won Great Britain’s second gold medal in the Boy’s 29er fleet. It had looked like being a final day shootout between the Brits and the USA crew of Judge Ryan and Hans Henken, but the Americans were disqualified from race 13 after a protest from the French team, putting Peters and Fitzgerald into an unbeatable position at the top of the leaderboard. Germán Billoch and Gastón Cheb Terrab of Argentina lie in third place overall and will be looking to challenge for the silver medal tomorrow.

for full results & photos: www.youthworlds2008.org

To read the final press release, click here arhus2008ywfinal[1]

images courtesy of World Wide Images

Just past the mid-way of the ISAF Youth Worlds, both the GBR and USA have the lead in the 29er boys and girls divisions.

The British girls still rule the 29er class as Frances Peters and Claire Lasko posted a 2, 1 and 3 on the fourth day of racing of the Championships. The Swedish team of Sara Engström and Hanna Dahlborg didn’t have a great day on the water with a 5, 5, 4 which made them drop down to fourth from third. Engström commented after racing, “We were not happy with today but at least we are sailing more consistently now which is good. With only two more days it will be very close for all of us at the top.” The Australians Hannah Natrass and Michelle Muller, bronze medallists last year, moved into third with a two firsts and a ninth which they dropped as the second discard comes into play.

In the boy’s fleet the American’s Judge Ryan and Hans Henken had a great day with a 1, 2, 3 bringing them to the top of the pile. Henken explained how they started slow but placed themselves well in the lighter breeze. “We played the shifts downwind well and getting top three positions today was a great achievement.” James Peters and Edward Fitzgerald (GBR) where pushed down to second but are only a point behind the leaders. Australians Bryon White and Rhys Mara are now in third on 37 points, 14 points behind, with Germán Billoch and Gastón Cheb Terrab of Argentina six points behind them.

 Less than seven days remain until the start of the 2008 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Århus, Denmark on 10 July, with 252 talented young sailors aiming to make their mark on the world stage.  yw6th20jul2008

For more information visit: http://www.youthworlds2008.org/

Show your support of the 29er class a couple of ways.......Renew your dues so you can sail through registration at your next event.  We've made it easy by using the Pay Dues button on the lower left of this page!

You can also show your support of the coolest class by wearing skiff gear.  Surf through the merchandise section of this website and place your order - it will be shipped within 24 hours to your door!  More gear will be coming soon - so keep checking!