Ai Kondo and Wakako Tabata (JAP) are back in Medemblik to defend their title in the Women 470 event.
26 May 2010 15:49
`We like to come and race in Medemblik, it is often windy here and the competition is always good.`, says Ai. `I am keen to defend the title and take another victory this year. We have trained a lot for it and I can`t wait to start racing.`
Wakako considers the challenge ahead, `Conditions can be tricky in Medemblik, I have to watch for the shifts and take the right decisions. I will try my best.` The Japanese duo has proven record in the light air as well as in the breeze and will handle all conditions in the Delta Lloyd Regatta. Looking at the competition: `There are many close rivals here, the Italian Conti/Micol, the French teams, the New-Zealanders and of course the Dutch Lisa Westerhof and Lobke Berkhout . We were hoping to race against them here last year so this is our chance.`
Ai and Wakako have a heavy schedule this year. After Medemblik they will set off for Kiel Week, the 6th Sailing World Cup event, in Germany, and then will come back to Holland for the class World Championship in The Hague. The pair will end the European season with the last event in the SWC in Weymouth. They will conclude the year with one of the most important regattas for the Japanese sailors: the Asian Games in China in November where Ai Kondo will defend her title.
By Corinne Mckenzie
