The Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships is the most prestigious regatta for youth in sailing.  Former winners of this event have moved on to compete in the Olympic Games, America ’s Cups, the Volvo Ocean Race, and much more. This event brings athletes from over 50 countries each year to compete against one another.  This year, the Championships were held in Kingston , Ontario and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, July 12^th – 21^st.   The Canadian Team was represented by Robert Davis (laser), Isabella Bertold (radial), Nicholas Kroeger and Peter Soosalu (29er boys), Alanna Foscarini and Alison Ludzki (29er girls), Mark Pataky and Jonathan Scott (Hobie16), David Hayes (RS:X boys), Ken Dool (Team Leader and single handed coach), Matt Dubreucq (double handed coach), and Alain Bolduc (windsurfing coach).

The Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship began with typical Kingston sailing conditions of afternoon thermals bringing steady breezes ranging in 12-18 knots from the South West.  Race officials and volunteers worked tirelessly to bring the best possible racing to the competitors from around the world.  Unfortunately, one day of the regatta was lost due to poor weather conditions and no wind.  The final day of race ended with a bang.  Average wind speeds of 20 knots from the North with gusts up to 25 knots challenged competitors with not only the wind strength but also shifty conditions. 

Overall our Canadian Team represented well.  What is exciting about the 2007 team is that a number of the members are eligible to compete in at least one and in some cases two more years.  This young team has a strong possibility to develop as well as push other sailors in Canada for future spots to compete at the youth worlds and will hopefully result in medals for Canada in the near future. 

Results of our team were:

Laser: Robert Davis – 14^th

Radial: Isabella Bertold – 7^th

29er Boys: Nicholas Kroeger and Peter Soosalu – 21^st

29er Girls: Alanna Foscarini and Alison Ludzki – 13^th

Hobie 16: Mark Pataky and Jonathan Scott – 14^th

RS:X: David Hayes – 6^th

For complete results see the link below.

http://youthworlds2007.org/results.shtml 

In addition to the individual medals, there is the coveted Volvo Trophy which is awarded to the country with the best results in all classes.  This year the trophy was won by Australia , with Denmark in second, and New Zealand in third.  Out of 51 countries Canada finished a promising 14^th overall.

In 2008 the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships will be held in Arhus , Denmark , July 10^th – 19^th.  Canada will continue to strive to climb the results ladder next year and in years to come.  To follow Ontario members of the team check out the Ontario Sailing Team page at the link below.

Congratulations Robert, Isabella, Peter, Nick, Alanna, Alison, Mark, Jonathan, and David!!!!