RS Tera World Challenge Trophy - Preview
by Vikki Payne 30 Jul 2019 01:20 PDT
4-9 August 2019
All set for the RS Tera World Challenge Trophy in Sweden © DigitalSailing
RS Tera sailors from all over the world will be making their way to Ljungskile Sailclub, Sweden next week to compete in the World Challenge Trophy!
The host club has received an environmental award for events by the foundation "keep Sweden tidy". For many years the club has worked actively within the foundation, as a natural part of the sailing school in the club. The sailors and families will be able to enjoy the regatta whilst leaving a minimum, environmental footprint. As part of this environmental conscious push the club are creating a car free zone during the event! They will be creating a drop off/ pick up zone for boats at the start and end of the event. If you arrive before Sunday 4th August sailors will need to leave their boats in the trailer park, next to the boat park (see the event website here). This will be closed during the racing and will re-open for pack up.
Ljungskile is an awesome venue for this prestigious event and is bound to offer the sailors a variety of conditions. It is known for its short, tricky chop and shifty conditions under the small islands that are scattered up the estuary. The long, thin nature of the landscape funnels the wind towards to town and will test the sailors to their limits.
There will be 85 boats racing, 35 with the larger Pro sail and 50 Sport sailors. Nine countries will be represented from as far as South Africa, United States of America and a strong team from the local area in Sweden.
Pro
Alice Davies from Great Britain moved into the Pro rig last year and lost the World Championships on count back, so she is here with fire in her belly to claim the title. Max Steele who has spent many hours on the water over the winter, will be nipping at her heels, looking to make his mark at the regatta. There is a large contingent from the Isle of Mann with Teddy Dunn looking strong. Another brit to keep an eye on would be Ollie Rayner.
The Swedish girls are rocking it! Hanna Wallstrom, current Swedish National Champion will be a good sailor to keep your eye on. Local sailor, Tage Barne is well known as the joker of the fleet but do not let his smile fool you! He is one to watch.
Sailors from South Africa, Jowayden Hacobus and Ruzaide Kannemeyer won sponsorship from the RS Tera International Class Association in order to charter a boat and enter. They will be hosted by Swedish families whilst racing. A JustGiving page was set up to help raise money for their flights and visa is now up to 15 713.03 Rand! If you would like to donate please visit www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/tera-worlds.
Sport
The larger RS Tera Sport fleet will be hotly contested. Freddie Sunderland won the RS Tera UK Inland Championships last week and will hope to continue that winning streak. Matthew Rayner has also been looking very fast over the winter. Flex Stewart has been focussing on his RS Feva sailing but will be looking to continue that success in the RS Tera. Local sailor, Sigrid Beckman has shown so much potential after recently converting from the Optimist class.
Keep up to date on the event website and Facebook!