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The Official
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www.sailing.org |
"The 470 Class and sailors are really looking forward to the 470 World Championships in The Hague. We are set for great sailing conditions, fantastic weather, a wonderful natural arena for spectators to watch the racing and the world's best sailors - we can't ask for more. The world's top names will race alongside those making their debut at World Championship level; which always provides a unique opportunity for sports development and motivation to all the sailors. There is a great event management team and we are ready to run a memorable 470 World Championships.'
Some of the world's most renowned coaches will be supporting their crews at the Delta Lloyd 470 World Championships. USA coach Kevin Burnham won an Olympic Silver and Gold medal in his personal sailing career. Probably the most successful sailing coach in history, Victor Kovalenko. also known as 'The Medal Maker' will be supporting his crews on the water in front of The Hague. Kovalenko coached different crews to 5 Olympic Gold medals, 3 times Bronze and 12 World Championship Titles.
Hopes for Dutch glory
Hans Bouscholte, Technical Director and head coach of the Dutch Olympic sailing squad is enthusiastic about the event taking place in The Hague.
"For all athletes, a World Championship in an Olympic class is an important preparation for the Olympic Sailing Competition, the only higher graded event available. Holland is proud to host the 470 Class World Championships. It perfectly fits into our lines of ambition and development. Holland not only has the ambition to win medals, but also to play an important role in establishing outstanding facilities to host sailing events in 'Olympic sailing venue like' circumstances. We want to improve our own structure, but by doing this, also contribute to bring the sailing sport to a higher and more professional level, and increase the public interest in the sailing sport in general. The Hague has high ambitions to become an international top sports capital, and is a valuable partner " he said.
"Holland won two silver medals in the Olympic Sailing Competition of Beijing 2008" Bouscholte continued. '"Our ambitions to do better in numbers and colour in 2012 are high. Sven and Kalle Coster have been taking the top spot on the men's 470 ISAF World Rankings for a long time, and Lisa Westerhof and Lobke Berkhout will be defending their women's 470 World title in two months. Like every nation, the 470 Worlds in July will be an important measurement point. Not only for 2012, but for 2016 as well. We also have high hopes for good results of the younger crews of our Dutch squad: Steven Lefevre and Steven Krol and Margriet Fokkema and Marieke Jongens."
The event is organized by the Royal Netherlands Yachting Union, in co-operation with the Yacht Club of Scheveningen, the Royal Yacht Club Hollandia, the Dutch 470 Class Association and the International 470 Class Association.
Ambitious The Hague
For more information, visit the event web site: www.470worlds2010.com