Elizabeth Yin in the lead at the Volvo youth sailing ISAF world championships

Story contributed by Darrelle Eng

Brazil, Tuesday, July 14, 2009 – After a frustrating day spent ashore as heavy winds forced the cancellation of all races yesterday, the 280 plus sailors from 60 nations returned to the Bay of Buzios this morning eager for competition.

With the lay day scheduled for tomorrow, competitors had to balance the chance to push as hard as possible with staying tactically aware in the very tricky light wind conditions. Only two crews managed to hold on to their overall lead; although Great Britain, Singapore, New Zealand and France all still hold one top spot, joined now by Israel, Italy and the host nation Brazil.

In the girls’ Laser fleet, there's a new leader with Singapore's Elizabeth Yin feeling completely at home in today's light and shifty winds. A third and second place finish propelled her into the top spot with a 12-point margin over yesterday's leader Mathilde De Kerangat of France.

Also impressing today was the US Virgin Island's Mayumi Roller, one of 23 sailors here in Brazil thanks to funding from ISAF's APP. After two scores of 25 on day one, she came back really strongly with a race win and a seventh and moves up to 12th overall. Today's other race winner was Croatian Antea Kordic.

The current results of the local contingent at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship is as follows:

420 boys – Justin Liu & Sherman Cheng – 6th position out of 31 boats

420 girls – Griselda Khng & Cecilia Low – 8th position out of 24 boats

Laser Radial – Elizabeth Yin – 1st position out of 38 boats

Hobie 16 – Aaron Pan & Peter Wong – 11th position out of 17 boats

RSX Windsurfing Boys – Leonard Ong – 18th position out of 24 boats

Today is lay day and racing will resume tomorrow.

For more information and updates on the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, please click here.