Ainslie proves a class apart
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sailing
STUART ALEXANDER
reports from Miami
Some hard work is in prospect for the whole squad following the opening regatta of Britain's 1996 Olympic year, which finished here yesterday. With the exception of Ben Ainslie in the Laser, both physical and mental fitness needs to be sharpened up, but the team manager, Rod Carr, said he is "encouraged by some brilliant individual results."
Ainslie, 18, the current world youth champion, powers serenely on, almost oblivious to the frustration and alarm he engenders among his opponents. "Ben is very sharp, he can beat the best in the world," Carr said.
John Merricks and Ian Walker are still favourites to take the gold in the 470 dinghy, despite a week focused almost entirely on gear testing while the defending champion, Jordi Calafat of Spain, was winning the class. There will be no room to let him go at the world championships in Brazil next month.
In the women's division, Bethan Raggatt and Sue Carr started on a high with new sponsorship, half of which goes to Derbyshire County Council to pay for Carr's teacher replacement, but ended with some very average results and their new boat so badly damaged in a collision that they could not race yesterday.
They, too, go to Brazil for much needed top-level match practice with the coach, Jim Saltonstall, said: "They won't be tough enough to win at the worlds, but by the Games they will be."
The newly-remarried Penny Wilson (formerly Way) showed a new appetite for fitness and success on the Mistral windsurfer.
Andy Beadsworth, with crew Barry Parkin and Adrian Stead have been improving significantly in a tough Soling fleet. As coach Bill Edgerton said of the whole team: "We annoy the opposition at times because we don't muck about. We are a presence on the race track."
The unresolved issue is in the Star class. Lawrie Smith leads the trials, just, from Glyn Charles with the other three contenders likely to be also- rans at the second half here in March in a fleet so stuffed with talent that even the best can struggle for a single number finishing slot.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments