Wednesday, March 19, 2008

AsianYachting Grand Prix Championships - up and at it again...

After a lengthy break between regattas the 2007-08 AY Grand Prix Championships that determines the top racing class skipper and yacht each year in Asian waters, resumes this week, with the bi-annual Rolex China Sea Race and quickly followed by the President's Cup in the Philippines. Presently in the AYGP Championships Ray Roberts DK46 Quantum Racing (11 points) has a clear three point advantage over Frank Pong's 75ft R/P Jelik (8 points) who have been battling it out regatta for regatta during the 2007-08 Season. As they are not competing on the RCSR this leaves the way open for Neil Pryde's Hi Fi, Fred Kinmonth/Nick Burns Fortis Mandrake and Sam Chan's Ffreefire 52 the chance to improve there standings and stage a final push for the coveted title. Browse progressive AYGP Championship scores throughout the year at http://asianyachting.com/news/AYGP07-08.htm

Monday, March 3, 2008

Beijing Olympic Games just around the corner - Who has qualified?

With the Beijing Olympic Games just around the corner, AsianYachting is beginning the run into the Games with newsworthy developments as they happen (See March News & Views - Asian Section). As it is our intention to concentrate our news coverage on Asian competitors we ask all National Sailing Organisations to provide details on there sailors as they qualify to represent the nation. The 49er, 470, Finn, RSX, Lasers, Ynglings and Tornados classes have already held their World Championships followed by the Laser Radials in March and finally the Stars in April. Korean Jeemin Ha made a name for himself overnight as the only non-qualified nation sailor to make the 53 boat Gold fleet at the Laser World Championship and hence qualify Korea for the 2008 Games. The remaining Asian nations making the cut from the Silver fleet were: Japan (Yoichi Iijima, 10th), Malaysia (Kevin Lim, 15th) and Singapore (Leong Seng Koh, 23rd). The host country China gets an automatic berth in each sailing class while other countries must earn theirs. To find out which nations and what classes they have qualified for in Qingdao goto: http://www.sailing.org/22168.php?PHPSESSID=03ec00014209f70adb75d201903eae48