470 Junior Worlds: Survival conditions at the 2020 Olympic Sailing venue in Japan as Typhoon No. 15
ENOSHIMA, JPN – Approaching from south of Japan, Typhoon No, 15 is expected to be at its closest to Enoshima – the 2020 Olympic Sailing venue, and the site this week for the 470 Junior Worlds – on Saturday, the final day and Medal Races, The weather system being pushed ahead delivered an exhilarating and gruelling race track for today's one race on Day 4, with 15-20 knots of breeze, maxing to 30 knots, and a big, long swell boosted by the wind from the north, and choppy waves.
In the 25-boat women's division, 15 boats finished. Benedetta di Salle / Alessandra Dubbini (ITA) stayed in control to win with a massive margin. Silvia Mas Depares / Paula Barcelo Martin (ESP) also had a good day and have increased their points lead at the top of the leaderboard. The sole American women's entry, Sarah de Silva / Julia Fuller, scored a DNC and stand 24th overall.
In the 38-boat men's division, only 21 boats finished (55% of the fleet; 60% of the women's fleet finished). Hippolyte Machetti / Sidoine Dantès (FRA) won today's race and lead the regatta. The only American men's team, Wiley Rogers / Jack Parkin, finished 6th today and stand 7th overall.
Two races are scheduled for each fleet on Friday. The forecast is for 17-19 knots with gusts up to 30 knots. Friday’s racing will wrap up the opening series, with the top ten boats in each fleet advancing to the Medal Races on Saturday.
Gallery of great photos above are courtesy of the 470 Class, and were taken by Junichi Hirai of Japan's Bulkhead Magazine.
And the video below by Australia's esteemed Beau Outteridge is a must see for fans of dinghy and Olympic sailing. Note that the video has not just sailing footage but interviews with sailors complete with names and faces. How refreshing! The entire media effort by the 470 Class, and their social media work, is impressive. Other classes would do well to take note.
Could similar weather be expected at Enoshima in 2020? The dates of the 2020 Summer Olympics are July 24 to August 9.