The Cypriot Youth teams – boys and girls
Sail First ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship
a unique experience of young sailors
This is the final countdown for the Cyprus squad taking part in the SAIL FIRST ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship), to be held between 13-20th July 2013 in Limassol.
The 350 athletes from 61* countries are a resounding indication of the significance of this special sporting event, which is one of the largest in the sports history of Cyprus. This will be a global gathering of the sailing family with the participation of elite young sailors, seeking distinction. The categories included in the tournament are: Olympic Class: RSX, Laser Radial, International Class: 420, SL16 and 29ers.
The Cyprus team, under the watchful eye of their coaches, is in full speed in preparation for this grand event and are ready to represent Cyprus in the best possible way. Yet, there is a sense of challenge as the young athletes are aware that they have to deal with high level opponents. There is even an extra challenge in their efforts. This is the first time that Cyprus participated in the 29er and SL16 categories, while in class 420, Cypriot sailors were up until now using 470 vessels.
Passion and knowledge
The young Cypriot sailors feel particularly excited that they are given the opportunity to participate in such a high caliber event. At the same time they are extremely proud in representing their country. Yet, they are fully aware of the challenges.
“We will try to do our best for Cyprus in this event involving high-level athletes. The fact that it is conducted in our country is an advantage for us, “says Joseph Herodotus (Limassol, Nautical Club, born on 7/11/96) who will compete in the Laser Radial class boys. “This is an opportunity for everyone to see the sport of sailing live, especially youth who possibly want to pursue the sport professionally, ” he adds.
“I feel a little strange and it is true that I am a little nervous about these games , since very good athletes from around the world will participate. The fact that the event is staged in our island is good for us. We will try for the best”, says 18- year old (born on 2/7/95) Helen Kiriakidou (Kyrenia Nautical club ) participating in the Laser Radial class girls.
13- year old Harris Papazoglou and Orestis Germanos (Limassol Nautical Club) who will compete in the 29er class will get a taste of their ‘virgin’ race since Cyprus participates for the first time in this class. They see this opportunity with a dose of optimism: “This is our first time for this type of race but we see it as a stepping stone for the future, ” says Harris Papazoglou (born on 12/17/2000 adding that they will try their very best.
Orestis Germanos (born on 10.3.2000) feels the same. “It will certainly be hard but I am hopeful that all will go well. We are very proud to represent our island”.
*Participating countries: Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Germany, Swiss, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Peru, Greece, Chile, Italy, Ecuador, Oman, Israel, Bahamas, Bermuda, Korea, Japan, Canada, Malta, Singapore, Finland, Holland, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Croatia, Puerto. Rico, Estonia, Hungary, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands, Antilles, Santa Lucia, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Norway, USA, Uruguay, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, Paraguay, Ireland, Tunisia, Colombia, Serbia, Bahrain, Myanmar, and China
