It’s all sunshine and warmth down in Miami, Florida as sailors gather in Coconut Grove for the first big event of the season. The 2020 Hempel World Cup Series Miami, has brought over 200 sailors from far and wide to compete in the six-day event. This year’s regatta holds more importance to some of our sailors as it is the final opportunity for Canada to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Sailing Competition in the 470, RS:X and Laser fleets.
The pressure builds for our Laser sailors as this event marks the last opportunity for Canada to qualify a country birth in the Laser class. Our sailors have been in Florida training for this event for the past few months, ready to battle it out against the best in the world. CST member, Robert Davis comments; “While there is always an element of uncertainty and nerves at a qualification event, I am going into the SWC Miami confident in my preparation and ready to compete knowing that I have put in the work.”
Davis will be joined by 11 of his fellow teammates at an attempt for the last North American spot for Tokyo 2020.
The waters of Biscayne Bay will be seeing some familiar faces during this week, as CST alumni and Olympic veterans return for a shot at making it to the games. For the 470, and RS:X this event works as the country qualifier as well as the first event of the Olympic trials for the Canadian Olympic Team. Watch for Luke Ramsay, Oliver Bone, Nikola Girke, and Jacob Chaplin-Saunders out on the water this week!
In the 470, Luke Ramsay will be sailing with Hunter Lowden, while Jacob Chaplin-Saunders will be accompanied by Oliver Bone.
In the RS:X, Nikola Girke and Olivia Mew will compete in the six-day event for the opportunity to qualify a spot.
The Laser, Finn, 470, and RS:X begin five days of fleet racing tomorrow which will culminate in LIVE medal races on Saturday, January 25th. Keep up with the team by following Sail Canada on social media platforms.
