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(Photo
Courtesy: Andrea Francolini)
Nineteen year old Ryan Palk is one of six Australians
competing at the Championship. The Queenslander described
the Practice Race as: "a great 10-15 knot sea breeze.
There was a fair bit of swell and waves. The waves were
great for surfing - good fun, but the swell made me feel a
bit seasick, to be honest."
One of the youngest competitors out today was 17 year-old
Pavlos Kontides who qualified Cyprus and himself by the skin
of his teeth in the final race on the final day of the 2007
ISAF Worlds in Cascais.
One of the 'elders' was 32 year old pro, Matias Del Solar
from Chile. Del Solar is already qualified for the Beijing
Games and feels confident of his chances here at Terrigal
and at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
Coached by his 34 year-old brother Juan-Pablo, Del Solar
says: "I finished 23rd at the Athens Games, and I know
I can win a medal in Beijing. My brother started to coach me
in 2006; he's a good coach and a good sailor. I am getting
better with my brother as coach."
Juan-Pablo says: "Sometimes it is difficult, because
we know each other so well. Normally Matias listens to me,
but sometimes we argue - like brothers do, then we have to
remember we are coach and sailor." Adding:
"Definitely Matias can win a medal."
The two have been training on and off in Australia since
November, returning home to Chile for Christmas only.
"We have been doing a lot of training. I am good in all
conditions and I came 13th at the Test Event in Qingdao. I
am feeling confident," he says.
Also out practicing today was Andrey Quintero from
Columbia. He is the lone representative from his country
here at the ISAF Grade 1 Worlds and hopes to qualify
Columbia and himself here - he knows it is his last chance.
Here in Terrigal on his own, no coach, no family, the
Columbian is nevertheless upbeat. "I finished 22nd at
the last qualifier - I missed out by two places. I am sure I
can get selected if we get enough strong winds.
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