Consistency key to Laser Worlds success
by British Sailing Team 2 Jul 2019 11:44 BST
4-9 July 2019
Lorenzo Chiavarini, Laser © Lloyd Images / RYA
British Laser sailor Lorenzo Chiavarini says he is planning on replicating the consistency that saw him crowned 2019 European champion when he takes on the World Championships this week.
Lorenzo Chiavarini scooped the coveted European title in May, beating the world's best in Porto, Portugal - but the World Championships presents an altogether new challenge as the fleet heads to the new venue of Sakaiminato City in Japan.
The regatta, beginning on Thursday July 4, marks the start of an extended run of events in the 2020 Olympics host nation which also includes the official Olympic test event and the World Cup Series Enoshima, both in August.
Chiavarini will not only have to contend with competition from international rivals including reigning world champion Pavlos Kontides of Cyprus and Rio 2016 gold medallist Tom Burton, but also from his own team mates.
Two-time world champion and Rio 2016 Team GB representative Nick Thompson will be vying for more silverware having finished runner up to Chiavarini at the Europeans, while Elliot Hanson will also be looking to make his mark having won the sole British place in the Laser class at the test event.
"I'm excited to set off to Japan - it's a new venue for me so it's important to understand the characteristics of wind shifts and currents," said Chiavarini, 25, from Bellanoch Bay, Scotland.
"I've been working hard with the team to get myself well prepared which has included jet lag and acclimatisation preparation. It will be a very high standard event but I will be focusing on replicating my consistency in all wind strengths, just like the Euros.
"As ever it will be a demanding week of tight racing. Every metre, every boat will count."
Lymington's Thompson, 33, added: "The Laser Worlds is always a special event where you know everyone will bring their A game and I'm relishing the opportunity to get out racing."
For Hanson, who last month was named among the 17 British sailors chosen to take on the test event, the world championships provide another testing ground to challenge the world's best.
"It's been nice to have a quick breather after a busy European season," said the 25-year-old from Macclesfield, Cheshire, "however, we're straight back in at the deep end with the Laser Worlds.
"It will be a red-hot fleet only a year out from the Games. I'll enjoy the challenge and look to improve on last year's fifth."
2018 European silver medallist Michael Beckett and Jack Wetherell complete the five-man British line up in a bumper 160 boat fleet.
Racing begins on Thursday 4 July and concludes on Tuesday 9 July.
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