JERSEY sailors proved they can compete with the best in the world after a solid showing in the Hobie Multi-European Championships on Lake Garda.
Following on from the success of the Jersey’s youth teams, the crews competing in the Open event were hoping the winds were still in their favour.
The 50th anniversary of the Hobie Multi-Europeans saw five teams from the Royal Channel Island Yacht Club representing Jersey in the Open event.
Competition was stiff as local sailors faced not only top European teams, but also crews from as far away as Australia, Mexico and the USA, including several former national and world champions.
All sixteen scheduled races in the Hobie 16 Silver and Gold Fleet Open Championships went ahead as planned over the course of last week.
87 boats launched each day, braving the waters of Campione del Garda, in variable conditions, which proved incredibly challenging at times.
However, in the Silver Fleet, Ollie Voak and Megan Roworth performed admirably in the given conditions, even thriving in the final two days of racing.
The pair posted two fifth-placed finishes and a phenomenal second among a slew of other results earning them eighth overall.
Elsewhere in the Silver Fleet, there was some new blood in the International sailing scene.
Tom Newman teamed up with Lucca Gentili, while Philip Richardson was aided by son William.
Considering it was both of the pairings first time competing internationally, both acquitted themselves admirably.
Meanwhile, in the Golf Fleet, racing was highly competitive with World Champions, Cam Owen and Susie Ghent of the Royal Freshwater Bay YC, in Western Australia, winning the event.
Paxton Garnier and Steph Egan competed with fellow Jersey youth sailors, Kai Surcouf and his brother Morgan.
Despite being unable to replicate their fantastic performances in the youth event, both teams finished in respectable positions.
Jersey’s sailors continue to gain valuable offshore experience, with the Island eyeing a bid to host the event in 2027.
The competitors extended their thanks to The Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club for their support, which saw seven teams racing over ten days in the Youth, Open and Masters events with a number posting their best results to date in an International event.
