SA sailors shine at World Champs

South Africa’s Olympic sailors made an impressive return to the podium, claiming bronze in the SB20 World Championships in France over the weekend.

London Olympians Roger Hudson and Asenathi Jim joined forces with Sibu Sizatu and Wadi Xamimpi to claim two race wins, one second-place and three third-place finishes during the week-long competition in Hyeres.

This achievement is a continuation of a phenomenal set of results for South Africans in these particular championships, contested on 20-foot, single-design keelboats.

Remarkable records

Last weekend saw Hudson mounting the podium for the fifth time in six years, while Xamimpi has now claimed a medal three times in four Championships, and Jim has medalled twice in three Championships.

The SB20 world title was won by the British team of Craig Burlton, Adam Heeley and Stephen White, with the Ukrainian Luka Rodion and his crew of Igor Matvvienko, Andrew Klochko and Anna Stepanova taking second spot.

The South Africans will now return home after a gruelling series of competitions with Jim and Sizatu having competed in the 470 Junior World Championships in France (finishing 16th out of 59), and Jim and Hudson claiming 35th spot out of 117 boats contesting the 470 Open World Championships at the same venue.

This was followed by Jim and Sizatu claiming a top 10 finish – seventh spot – at the 470 European Junior Championships in Wales.

Source:Road to Rio
Source:www.southafrica.info