Canadians Doing Superbly at Laser Midwinter's East

Photo from Sailgroove site.

The racing is pretty interesting at the Laser Midwinter's East in Clearwater, Florida. Canadians continue to do well, throughout the ranks.

Emil Cedergardh has a strong lead in the Laser Gold Fleet. Two elite Canucks, Lee Parkhill and Michael Leigh are holding 2nd and third respectively. The next Canadian is one I have long thought is a prospective Olympian to watch, Robert Davis from Kingston YC has been growing and getting stronger and stronger with each season. He is now in 12th overall ahead of some extremely high calibre sailors. He's one point up in the standings over Master sailor, John Bertrand. That is the former Laser world champ, Finn silver medalist, and America's Cup tactician for Dennis Connor. Davis is also 10 points up on Paul Goodison, Laser sailor #1 in the World standings and Olympic Gold medalist in the Laser. Goodison is coming back from a break after the last Olympics. Davis is sailing better and better, and by the time 2012 rolls around, I expect to see him having challenged the standard bearers for a Canadian spot.

Young Olivier Corbeil (CVL) made it into the Gold Radial Fleet. He has had superb races finishing in the top ranks, until Saturday with a DNF and 34th. His best race was a 7th which must've been exhilarating. I predict this is another sailor to watch. American Paige Railey is demolishing the competition in this fleet. Having a great regatta are Lisa Ross in 3rd overall and Jen Spalding in 6th overall.

Alexandre Stranix (PCYC), who was pulling the strings in a 420 during last season's Fruitbowl Training Regatta is now sailing the Radial in the Silver fleet, where he his holding 14th overall. Good show! 

This year's Clearwater regatta is showing Canadians and Montrealers having made big gains and bodes well for these folks in Olympic class sailing. Racing concludes with perhaps one or two races today. Sail fast Canadian and Montreal sailors.