Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
After 9 races the exciting new 470 men’s pairing of Asenathi Jim and Sibu Sizatu finished 3rd overall in the 470 pre-worlds event.
This is a great result for a new combination in their first ever international event, and one which will stand them in good stead going into the World Championships in a few days time.
They were comfortably ahead of the 4th placed Spaniards by almost 30 points, with finishes as follows: 4; 2; 10; 12; 10; 8; 29; 2; 7
Their coach Roger Hudson has said that a top 40 finish in the World Championships would be an acceptable result, a top 20 finish would be very satisfying, and a top 10 would be outstanding – and it would probably have a big impact on South Africa’s sailing prospects at Tokyo 2020.
Hudson, nor Jim and Sizatu, are under any illusion that this result will translate into a great result at the Worlds. But what it does do is give them confidence as well as some first hand knowledge of the course, water and wind conditions.
But most importantly it will get their names up in lights and make those officials who have steadfastly ignored them, stand up and be counted.
