A FOUR-BOAT Scottish team from the Olympic 470 class set off this
weekend aiming to qualify for the World championships at Morgat in
Brittany.
More than 280 boats from Europe, North and South America, Australia,
and New Zealand will comprise the most competitive field ever at this
early stage in the Olympic cycle.
Racing is contested over the same waters as the ensuing World
Championships, and over three identical, adjoining circuits.
Only the top 80 boats qualify for the world championships, the main
event continuing immediately after the conclusion of the four-day,
five-race qualifiers.
Andy Richards, of Helensburgh, the Scottish 470 champion, leads the
home contingent heading for France, and his challenge could be
considerable since he now is ranked second in the UK behind English helm
John Merricks.
Richards made a late decision to alter his racing schedule for the
season after having seen the strength of the entry.
This, unfortunately, meant that regular crew Ian Park was unable to
take time off from work.
Instead, Richards will be crewed by brother David and is favourite of
the young Scots to qualify for the championships proper.
''The youngsters will find it tough at this level but two pairs have
good experience sailing in big fleets, and could draw on that to do
well,'' said chief coach John Jameson.
With the exception of helm Richards all are 21 or under, and in the
early stages of the transition from the 420 training dinghy to the
Olympic 470.
The squad is:
Andy and David Richards (Helensburgh), Alistair Stevenson and Marc
Turner (Lenzie/Bishopbriggs), Iain Jameson and James Burns (Dalgety
Bay/Fortrose) and Brian Wilson (Largs).
P & O Ferries European Tasar Championships, Race 4 (Shetlands) -- 1, C
Sallis and P Manning (Queen Mary SC, Lowestoft); 2, P and J Caldwell
(Stonehaven SC); 3, P and K Stainsby (Queen Mary SC, Lowestoft).
Overnight leader -- P and K Stainsby.
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