The Tribune

By ROBERT DUNKLEY

BEN Derbyshire enjoyed an easy win in the Laser 4.7 class as he took all but one race in the series at this year’s Junior Laser Nationals in Montagu Bay.

For Paul de Souza, it was a bit different as his sparring partner and four-time Bahamas Optimist national champion Spencer Cartwright pushed him the entire series, according to a press release.

“While Cartwright was often in the lead, de Souza would fight his way through before the finish to win and in the end triumphed overall by only two points. Such close racing made for a very suspenseful and exciting series - a repeat of last year’s Junior Nationals rivalry when Cartwright beat de Souza by only one point.

“Throughout the weekend winds were light and from the southeast, with a bit of rain, making sailing conditions very shifty and tricky. When taking the lead in any of the races, competitors found it extremely hard to keep. One might say it was all about luck but in reality it was very much a game of patience, ‘heads-up sailing’ and out-thinking the opponents, which is exactly what both de Souza and Derbyshire did,” said the release.

Trophy winners for first, second and third place in the Laser Radial Class were de Souza (Nassau), Cartwright (Nassau) and Brendan Sands (Abaco) respectively. The 4.7 Class saw Derbyshire (Nassau), Paloma Cartwright (Long Island) and Tahj Ramirez (Nassau) place respectively.

The Junior Nationals was a great practice series for Paul, who goes off to the ISAF Youth World Championships in Malaysia December 24 to January 5.

“This Youth Worlds is recognised as the premier event for junior sailing in the world, following the format of the Olympic Games as it accepts only the top sailor from each country in each of the six participating classes. Paul will be representing The Bahamas in the Laser Radial Class for the third time and will still be regarded as one of the youngest competitors. We wish him well,” said the release.

“Congratulations to all the sailors for their level of performance in this year’s Laser Junior National Championship and a special thank you to the Nassau Yacht Club for hosting this event and again to the BSA junior programme sponsors East Nassau Rotary, KPMG, Bahamas First Insurance Company, Nassau Underwriters Limited, Bahamas Ferries, Subway, Odyssey Aviation, Cable Bahamas & Cable Cares, Bahamas Maritime Authority, Bahamas Olympic Committee, Ministry of Agriculture (Regatta Desk) and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.”