Laser Nationals preview

Who looks set to win the Laser, Laser Radial and 4.7 nationals?

Often the year after the Olympics things quieten down a bit, not so in the Laser class ,which consists of the Men's and Women's single handed Olympic class as well as the 4.7 which has Youth pathway status (and now has its own coach and race track at events). Entries this year will break all previous records and it is a good thing that the venue, Abersoch, can hold these numbers.

Perhaps the most undecided class will be the 4.7's. Whilst several sailors will miss the Championships due to competing in the Europeans in Slovenia, the majority of the top sailors will be sure to battle it out next week. Perhaps the most inconsistent fleet, especially in the lighter wind range, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top!

Moving onto the Radial and there will be several full time sailors there, and maybe some favourites. Laura Baldwin who is currently doing speed work in Wales already leads the UK National rankings but it has been Lizzie Vickers who is the top sailor on the ISAF rankings. Also perhaps someone to watch is Andrea Brewster who has been in the Radial the longest and was sailing an excellent regatta in Kiel until illness struck.

Lastly the Standard rigs, and here it would perhaps be a bit of a surprise if Paul Goodison fresh from his win at Kiel week did not take the title as a last regatta before the Europeans in Spain in just a few weeks time. In fact the timing of the Nationals is good preparation for the 4.7 Worlds and Radial Europeans as well. For those looking for more of a holiday than stiff competition, the ever popular "Dinghy Week" follows straight after.