2008 RS:X World Championship
Takapuna Boating Club, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand - 10th – 20th January 2008
http://www.rsxclass.com/08worlds.html
PRESS RELEASE
By: Jodie Bakewell-White
Practice race under sunny skies
Weeks and months of organization and preparation for the 2008 RS:X World Championships were tested today as windsurfers
took to the water for the first organized race of the regatta – the practice race.
The scheduled one o’clock start for the practice race was delayed slightly as race officials reset the start line after
a slight change in wind direction. Generally conditions at Takapuna were excellent with a warm, sunny day and a constant
eight knot breeze from the north east.
Most of the 200 competitors took the opportunity provided to test equipment and conditions. Results of the practice race
do not count and many who chose to start the practice race didn’t complete the course choosing to come ashore and rest
before the start of competition tomorrow.
The first race of the regatta is scheduled to start at midday tomorrow [Sunday] and two races will be sailed if
conditions allow. The forecast is for six to ten knots of breeze from the north east and a predicted air temperature
high of 22 degrees.
The practice race is also a chance for race officials and event organizers to ensure that they are thoroughly prepared
for the week of racing ahead. A team of volunteers successfully trialed the exciting mark rounding and scoring system
which allows immediate on-line publication of placings and standings for the first time at an event like this.
Free pasta meals and a massage tent are available to those competing and many made the most of this as they came ashore.
North Shore City locals who filled Takapuna Beach and the surrounding reserve enjoying a summer Saturday afternoon at
the beach were treated to the spectacle of dozens of international windsurfers preparing on the grass, launching off the
beach and later returning.
Windsurfers mark passing of New Zealand legend
Windsurfers in Takapuna for the 2008 RS:X World Championships today marked the passing of New Zealand legend Sir Edmund
Hillary by flying black ribbons from their sails.
The entire New Zealand team of 22 sailors will have the black ribbons attached to the top batten of their sails as they
head out on to the water for today’s practice race. Sailors from around another 20 countries will also fly the back
ribbon as a mark of respect for the famous New Zealander.
Images for editorial use
Professional images of today’s racing taken by Ocean Photography will be available for editorial use. To view visit
http://www.rsxclass.com/worlds2008.html
Please email jodie@yachtingnz.org.nz
Further information is available from:
2008 RS:X World Championship website: http://www.rsxclass.com/worlds2008.html
ENDS