ICF Ocean Racing World Championship Kicks Off In Portugal

The ICF Ocean Racing World Championship Kicks Off In Portugal

The inaugural ICF Ocean Racing World Championship is being held in Vila do Conde, Portugal this weekend, 12-14 July. The event consists of three races:
1. Downwind Single Ski - 22.5 km (World Championship Race)
2. Downwind Double Ski - 22.5 km (World Championship Demo Race)
3. Life Saving Knock out

The World Championship start will be ranked but the race will commence with one mass start, including all age groups. Ranking will allow a better start position on the beach.

Race conditions are assessed over the three day race period, with the best conditions being granted to Race 1 and then Race 2, with the Knockout filling the free day. The course will be 22.5 km of downwind, with no upwind section, start and finish in the surf. The start will be "Le Mans" style using paddle lockers, the ones used in the famous "Sella" start.

The four New Zealand representatives are:
• Teneale Hatton: Single Surf Ski - Open
• Tina Leone: Single Surf Ski - 35-39 age group
• Lance Roozendaal: Single Surf Ski - 35-39 age group
• G.Christopher: Single Surf Ski: 40-44 age group

Teneale had a very successful season last year in the Nelo Summer Challenge, claiming silver in a time of 46.36, only just behind South Africa’s Michele Eray who completed the race in 46:14.

Teneale has showed great improvement during the European canoe sprint season, with her most pleasing result in the 5000m races – gaining a first and a second in two of the World Cup events. This will give her a bit of confidence going into the ocean racing event, but they are very different types of paddling, and Teneale will be focusing on a very different game plan.

For information and results go to the event website: www.oceanracingportugal2013.com

ENDS

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