70 races by day two

Youth sailors are vying for top positions at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival

It was another picturesque day on Sydney Harbour for day two of the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF).

After 70 races New Zealand is currently in first place with Great Britain, New South and Western Australia all in equal second place.

Carl Evans (NZL), the current 420 World Champion, was ecstatic about his team’s jump from third to first place. “The team was really happy with today’s racing with five wins and only one loss. The conditions on Sydney Harbour were excellent with lots of good wind. We’re aiming to stay in the top four for tomorrow’s medal rounds and a win would be a bonus”.

David Gilmour (WA), son of legendary Australian sailor Peter Gilmour commented on their second place ranking “We started the day off well with a win in the first race but then lost the next three races and won the last two races.” Gilmour continued, “It would be awesome to be in the top two for tomorrow medal rounds”.

The USA Team Manager, Chip Whipple has been impressed with his team’s performance throughout the festival “The USA team had a big collision today in race nine but they recovered well to come in fifth position”.

“It’s a great honour for our team to be here and the experiences they gain are invaluable. The spirit of the festival has been fantastic and it’s been a great opportunity for our athletes to make friends from other countries”.

The Australian Youth Olympic Festival 2007 gives youth sailors from Australia and overseas the unique opportunity to experience an Olympic Games atmosphere - from an opening ceremony, to dealing with doping control, living in an athlete’s village and being involved in a traditional medal ceremony.

The sailing competition medal rounds will conclude in Farm Cove from approximately 10am – 4pm on Saturday 20 January. The best vantage point for those in Sydney is the Royal Botanic Gardens foreshore or Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Results:

1-NZL – won 10 out of 14 rounds
2-NSW – won 9 out of 14 rounds
3-GBR - won 9 out of 14 rounds
4-WA - won 9 out of 14 rounds
5-USA - won 8 out of 14 rounds
6-VIC – 7 out of 14 rounds
7-QLD – 6 out of 14 rounds
8-TAS – 6 out of 14 rounds
9-SA – 4 out of 14 rounds
10-CAN- 2 out of 14 rounds