After three days of racing at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships, the U.S. team is in second place overall, topped only by New Zealand. This is the first time in over a decade that the U.S. Youth World team has touched the top three positions at the Youth World Championship. In addition two Americans are in position to take home gold medals, which would be a first for the U.S. team.
Andrew Campbell, 18, of San Diego, has dominated the Laser fleet from Day 1. He finished today with 15 points, and has won two races. An eighth in yesterdays second race is currently his throw out. His lead over Tobias Schadewaldt, of Germany, is now just 1 point.
Im happy for Tobias, it went well for him and he deserves it, said Campbell. But I hope that eighth place finish was my throw out.
Representing the U.S. in the girls singlehand division is Byte sailor Paige Railey, 15, of Clearwater, Fla. An early OCS dragged Railey down in the standings during the first two days, but after getting in the fifth and sixth races yesterday, Railey was able to throw out that score and move into the lead. With a score of 15 points, she has a seven-point lead over Canadian Jennifer Spalding.
In an interview with Karen Janigan, Railey said Im excited, but Im not going to let it get to my head. Its early going and the other girls are really strong and anything can happen.
In the Girls 29er class, Molly Carapiet, 17, and Mallory McCollum, 16, of Belvedere, Calif., finished today in fourth place, nine points away from a medal. Carapiet and McCollum were on the verge of winning their first race at the end of today, when a fluke shift sent them into second. I was bummed about that, but were having a lot of fun and learning a lot, said Carapiet.
Alex Bernal and Tedd White, both 17, of Santa Barbara, Calif., are in fourth place in the Boys 29er class after today. They are six points away from a medal, topped by Australians Nathan Outteridge and Ayden Menzies.
