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The 2015 Barfoot & Thompson Laser National Championships will get underway this Thursday, 15 January at Takapuna Boating Club in Auckland.
With a promising long range forecast all is set for four days of quality world class Laser racing off Takapuna, commencing with two scheduled races on Thursday.
The event has attracted an excellent fleet of over 150 sailors across five divisions, with sailors from all over New Zealand and 20 overseas sailors from 15 countries registered so far.
“Final entries close on Thursday but with a couple of days to go a quality contest is assured in all divisions with a wide cross section of sailors registered including our Olympic aspirants and many current and past National and Masters World champions,” says Nick Page, Chairman of the New Zealand Laser Association.
In the Standard Open fleet New Zealand’s NZL Sailing Team and Olympic campaigners including Sam Meech, Andy Maloney, Tom Saunders and Mike Bullot will continue their battle for ascendancy in the Olympic selection race.
“These four have been competing seriously on the world circuit and have all enjoyed top results in international regattas so will be keen to stamp their authority on the fleet in their home training ground off Takapuna,” continues Page. “They will be tested by an up-and-coming group of New Zealand sailors, many recently graduated from youth ranks, and ten overseas sailors from all corners of the globe.”
“An extremely strong turnout of youth sailors in the Radial division are sure to challenge 2012 Olympic representative and current National champion Sara Winther and the other female Olympic spot contenders as well as the Open Radial sailors,” continues Page.
Several of the youths have just returned from the Australian Laser Nationals and Youth Week where James Jennings and Alastair Gifford had good results.
In the Masters Standard division reigning champion Chris Decke is sure to be pushed hard by Andrew Dellabarca, fresh from a top performance at the World Masters in Hyeres. However he will not only face challenges from his normal New Zealand adversaries but also from visiting top UK Grand Masters champion Terry Scutcher.
In the Masters Radials Scott Leith will again be hot favourite following his 2nd in Hyeres but he is sure to be tested by others including reigning World Grand Masters champion Mike Keeton.
