Over 100 young Techno racers arrive in Civitavecchia, near Rome, this week for the eagerly awaited 2008 European Championships. This early season event gives the opportunity for rivals for this year’s world titles to test the strength of the opposition![more]
There will be some familiar faces, but also some new faces.
As you would expect many of last year’s under 15 (6.8 division) competitors have moved up to 7.8 category. Three of last year’s top five boys will be challenging for the 7.8 European title – including 6.8 World Champion Sam Sills (GBR 60) and 3rd placed Adrian Jimenez (ESP 33).
It is going to be really tough for the girls moving up from 6.8, as reigning 7.8 World champion Helene Noesmoen (FRA 57) has another year in this division!
Six of last year’s top ten girls in the 6.8 Worlds will be competing for glory against strong and established opposition from Helene, Sophie Bailey (GBR 9588 – 5th in 2007 Worlds), Izzie Hamilton (GBR 9597 – current UK champion) and Marta Jackowski (POL 161) both top ten finishers in last year’s Worlds.
Seven nations have sent teams to Civitavecchia – ESP, FRA, GBR, ITA, ISR ,LAT and POL.
Over 50 boys and girls in the 7.8 divsion; 40 in the 6.8 division; and 8 in the “open” category (ie aged 17 years or older – with 7.8 max sail).
Lega Navale, the host club, situated in Civitavecchia, a busy commercial port north of Rome, can boast a wonderful bay in front of the club that is perfect for hosting sailing regattas. Steeped in history, dating from the Etruscan Age, the city has a lot to offer the tourist as well as competitor!
The event is scheduled from 20th to 24th March 2008 – daily reports will be posted on the class website:
www.techno293.org , and on the event website: http://www.trecc2008.it/
