Dempsey and Shaw to get back on track for the RS:X Worlds

Over the next week, Britain’s top windsurfers, Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw will set out to better their Qingdao Olympic Test Event results when competing in the first ever official RS:X World Championship from 23-30 September in Torbale, Italy.

Weymouth-based Dempsey has spelt out success this season by bagging an impressive five medals – four golds and a silver – at all the top regattas, only stumbling at the recent 2006 Qingdao Olympic Test Event where he was met mostly with lights winds and strong tides, resulting in a disappointing eighth place overall. 

Now in Italy, the 26-year-old first-time European Champion is preparing for his favoured big breeze conditions and will be on the prowl to add another medal and title to his ever-growing tally.

Another heavy-hitter representing Great Britain is the women’s world number three, Bryony Shaw.  As the 2005 Raceboard World Champion and unofficial RS:X World Champion, Weymouth’s Shaw will have a title to defend and is in good stead to do so following a silver medal performance at the recent European Championships.

Also racing for Skandia Team GBR is Lucy Horwood along with Development squad sailors Leo McCallin and Hugh Simms-Williams.

Several of Britain’s up-and-coming young sailors will also make the trip to Italy.  RS:X British National Champion and Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2006 competitor, Richard Hamilton may only be 16 but punches above his age on the racecourse.  The young windsurfer from Barrow-upon-Humber will be competing at the Senior Worlds alongside 17 year-old Hythe sailor Elliot Carney, both aiming to gain valuable international experience.    

Racing at the RS:X Worlds is due to get underway on Saturday 23 September, with the final medal race scheduled for Saturday 30 September.

For results and further information, visit www.skandiateamgbr.com or the event website at www.circolosurftorbole.com/TRENTINO-RSXWorldChampionships/