Optimist Worlds in China

Five British boys get set to compete in the 500 strong fleet

Forty-six nations will take part in this year's IODA Optimist World Championships at Qingdao in China which start tomorrow. This year they have the third highest entry level in the history of the event - 16 more nations will compete compared to the last time the event was held in Asia 12 years ago. Eleven Asian Nations have sent teams, several of them assisted by the $10,000 fund donated by the Chinese Yachting Association. This year first time participants Sri Lanka will be among the 500 strong fleet - a formidable number considering the sceptical attitude of many concerning the venue.

Each year a country is voted to host the event and IODA are trying to encourage countries to hold events who don't sail - or don't have a very high number of Optimist sailors, to try and bring more youngsters into the sport. This year China is the chosen venue, contenders for next year include Greece, Holland and Singapore. All five hundred odd competitors will have a mandatory charter boat supplied by Dragon, but are able to take their own foils and spars.

The UK have sent five competitors to the event. Thomas Mallindine, pictured above, finished 30th in last years World Championships in Spain. He is joined by Tom Smedley, Joshua Metcalfe, David Evans and Luke Patience the latter two both achieved a result in the top ten at last years Europeans. Over the last 30 years the British Optimist sailors have maintained a fairly consistent level finishing in the mid- teens and early twenties. Paul Campbell-James holds the score to beat having finished in eighth position at the 1997 World Championships in Northern Ireland. Perhaps this years team will have what it takes.

See page 2 for profiles, and photos of all five British contenders......