Laser Sailing Championships attract 38

By Michael Nsubuga 

THIRTY eight sailors will compete in the 30th Uganda Open National Laser Sailing Championships. The event is set for Victoria Nyanza Sailing Club, Kaazi, March 7-9. 

It has attracted competitors from Kenya,Tanzania and the UK. 

The biggest regatta in several years, with 38 boats registered, is sponsored by Brussels Airlines. 

This year’s fleet is exceptionally strong. Four previous winners and a number of international sailors will battle for the most coveted sailing trophy in East Africa. 

Top seed and 6-time winner Alastair Bush from Tanzania will take on multiple winners Gordon Bell, Donald White and Reint Bakema, who have just returned from the World Championships in Oman. 

They will battle newcomer David Carroll from Kenya who has an impressive record in sailing, whereas VNSC members Phillip Betts and Stephen Luswata will certainly fight for a podium finish. 

According to the sailing federation secretary Reint Bakema, the competition will have ten races over three days, making it the most demanding sailing event in East Africa. 

The Victoria Nyanza Sailing Club competition will be open to spectators on Saturday and Sunday.