(Split, Croatia) The 2019 Laser Under-21 World Championships begin here tomorrow in this beautiful city on the Adriatic Sea. The host, Sailing Club Mornar, has put everything in place for a great event, and the weather has been sunny and warm for the many sailors who arrived early to practice. But the winds have been variable and light.
Two hundred and seventeen sailors representing 45 countries are registered for this six-day event – 146 men from 42 countries sailing Standard rigs and 71 women from 31 countries sailing Radials. To be eligible, sailors must be, or will turn, 17 years old this calendar year, but not 21 years old or older this year.
Sam King and Ethan McAullay will represent Australia in the men's division while Elyse Ainsworth and Mara Stransky are the women's representatives.
The weather patterns continued for the practice race this afternoon – light and variable, with up to 10 knots at the start of the practice race, but not consistent enough for a full day of racing.
Nevertheless, the event hasn’t yet begun and there are six days the schedule. The weather, as always, will change. The current forecast calls for another two days of warm weather and light breeze followed by cooler temperatures and stronger breeze.
For now, the sailors are ready to race and enjoyed Opening Ceremonies this evening at the Museum of Croatian Archeological Monuments with a parade of the flags of representing countries and live guitar music performed by a local artist. We’ll see what the rest of the week brings us on the water.
