Bakema, Bell gear up for sailing championships

Sep 19, 2017

The two sailors from the Victoria Nyanza Sailing Club are confident of a good outing

Laser Masters World Championships (Sept 22-30)

Two seasoned sailors Reint Bakema and Gordon Bell will carry Uganda's hopes when the Laser Masters World Championships take centre stage in Split, Croatia this month.

Positively, the duo is no stranger at the Worlds having participated in previous editions. Bakema featured at the Brazil and Oman championships as his counterpart Bell featured at the United Kingdom, Oman and France events.

Their participation at the world level has helped place Uganda among serious sailing nations and hence the laser district has received several slots this year.

However sailing at this level is highly competitive with a strong cast of semi and professional sailors lined up for the showpiece. Nonetheless, the two sailors from the Victoria Nyanza Sailing Club (VNSC) are confident of a good outing.

"The general expectations are that I finish with a position better than 35 and Bell 25. We are ready to work harder and I want to say it's a huge achievement Uganda again being present at the Worlds" said Bakema.

With at least 350 sailors out to compete in the different fleets, Bakema enters in the Grand Masters Radial category with a fleet of 62 boats, and Bell in the Great Grand Masters Radial category with a fleet of 46 boats.

The event is the most prestigious annual Laser Sailing Championship consisting of two regattas; the Laser Standard Men's World Championship and the Laser Masters World Championships.

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