Straight from the Youth Olympic Games
An (un)believably great day’s competition here in Varkiza on day one of the final major event of the season. The competitors were rewarded for their hard work in getting here with planing conditions all day long, and the Race Committee did a great job, running three races for each of the four fleets.
So after the opening rounds the early leaders have emerged from the pack. It’s an Israel 1-2 in Junior Girls, with Mika Kafri leading from Amit Segev, ahead of Poland’s Alekasandra Wasiewicz. In Junior Boys Poland’s Konrad Machura holds the early advantage ahead of Alessandro Melis from Italy, and Israel’s Harriel Mizrachi. It’s very tight at the top of Youth Girls, France’s Manon Pianazza and Russia’s Yana Reznikova equal on points. In Youth Boys another Israel 1-2 where Roi Hillel has grabbed the advantage over compatriot Daniel Basik Tashtash, with Spanish sailor Aurelio Terry-Valle third.
This event is graced with the presence of medal winners from the recent Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Local rider Alexandros Kalpoginnakis had just flown back the previous day and was clearly suffering in his first race, finishing 20th, but quickly found his rhythm, winning the next two to be in 5th overall after the first day. Meanwhile, in the Youth Girls fleet, Russia’s Yana Reznikova showed no ill-effects from her Olympic efforts, feeling relaxed after a week off and already threatening in second place. “I also plan to relax here, but if I manage to get a good result I will be happy. I enjoyed the sailing. The 7.8 is easy after the 8.5 sail at the YOG, so no problems even though I don’t like strong wind.”- Diana said after the races.
Local lad Alexandros reckons we’re in for strong winds and hard racing all week. He should know.