iExpert Rohini Rau tells all about the Laser Radial World Championship 2009 in Karatsu, Japan.
I had exactly 5 days at home to get over the jetlag and also to recuperate from the week long European Championship in Denmark. It was an ISAF Grade C1 event, with 99 top class competitors from 32 countries. It was a tough week, with 6 days of intense racing in wind speeds ranging from 5 to 18 knots, strong currents and 90 degree wind shifts.
All in all it was a great experience. This was my first time in a Scandinavian country and also sailing with some of the best sailors in the world.
The Laser Radial Men’s and Women’s European Championship 2009 was held in the waters off Charlottenlund, Denmark from of July 9 – 16, 2009. I had problems starting, as I did not have enough practice starting with a large fleet. With Allan Julie from Seychelles coaching me, I learnt a lot about the conditions and how to make each race better. My brother Ajay Rau was representing India in the Men’s category. He had a few good races. But this was not one of his better Championships.
My best race, which was the highlight of the event, was my 2nd position in race number 7. I rounded the top mark in second place and held my position till the very end. I was quite nervous, as there were many good sailors behind me. I just believed in myself and never looked back. It was an amazing moment crossing that finish line with nearly 50 boats behind me!
This was good training for the World Championship that is going to be held in Karatsu, Japan, as it was a huge confidence booster.
The Laser Radial World Championship will be held from July 25 to August 2, 2009. I am looking forward to making India proud. Thank you for your support.
The two others on the Indian team will be my brother Ajay Rau sailing the Men’s Laser Radial Worlds Championships (August 3 - 10) and Mrinalini Santhanam who is also sailing the Women’s Laser Radial Worlds Championships. All three of us are from Chennai.
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