Worlds 2010 is done, and the US turned in its best overall performance in at least a decade (and probably much more; anyone have pre-2001 results?). Wade led the US with an 11th overall, surging with single-digit finishes in the final five races. Wade's 11 is the best US finish since 2001, possibly the best US finish in several decades and perhaps since US won Worlds in 1970 when it was a much smaller (less wordly?) event. Congratulations to Wade on a rigorous, focused performance in a deeply competitive fleet.
The key in today's single race was choosing between apparently better breeze left and distinctly stronger favorable current right (see signal boat foto below). The choice was the latter.
Today's race was the last circuit around the Opti trap for Christopher, Duncan, and Harry. 420s, 29ers, and all the other sailboats in the world beckon. Wade and Richard (with four top tens here) look to get back to Opti Worlds, a year from now in New Zealand.
Followers, look for more postings and photos after the team returns to the US...
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| A rare appearance...indeed, the first appearance...of the black flag here at worlds, in the final race...raised after 2 general recalls for 15a, re-raised for first starts of 15b and c...can you say: RC wants to get to the bar, um, friday prayers? |
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| 13-15 knot breeze at start and the signal boat laying with the current up the course |
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| US best Wade Waddell rounds his final wing mark... |
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| ...with all but three boats behind him |
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| the new World Champion, Thailand's Noppakao Poonpat. Asians took the top four spots, and eight of the top ten. (Girls, including the winner, took 3 of the top ten.) Hey, US Opti sailors, who's up for some serious competition at 2011 Asian Champs in Singapore in late July? |
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