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by pltm
(PLTM) - Thad Lettsome has finished the 2018 Youth Sailing World Championships in 14th place. Racing in the 58 strong Boy's Laser Radial event, Lettsome pulled out all the stops on the final day of racing to clinch a 5th place and raise himself one place up the leaderboard.
According to the Royal BVI Yacht Club, racing took place from 16-20 July with two races per day until the final day when one race was sailed.
Lettsome sprang out of the blocks on day-one with a 13th and a 6th, and continued to punch out all but two top 20 finishes, proving that consistency is key and ending the regatta with his best result is a terrific boost.
"It was an epic day today. I had to battle really hard with the Spanish sailor to get ahead of him overall,” said Lettsome. "We worked on a plan and I believe I executed it the best I could."
"There were just four points separating 11th to 14th," commented coach Chris Watters, adding "On a normal day a fifth would have moved him up all those spots, but all the other competitors in that range put out their best race as well! It was really great to see them all step up".
There were 382 competitors from 66 nations at this year's event, racing in nine events - this is the best of the best.
In December, Lettsome travelled to China for his first Youth Worlds and finished a very creditable 33th place.
"I am very proud of Thad and his performance this year; he has accomplished a huge amount in the last six months," said Coach Watters.
At 16 years of age, Lettsome has another two years of eligibility to compete at this championship, which in 2019 will be hosted by Gdynia, Poland.
Earlier in July, Lettsome finished in 10th place at the US Laser Radial Nationals, which he used a training event for the Worlds. Next up will be CORK regatta in Kingston, Canada from 13-17 August.
He also represents the Tabor Academy racing Club 420s in the high school circuit.
The Royal BVI Yacht Club thanked World Sailing for the support from the ENP and for putting on another great event, coach Chris Watters and everyone who supports the Youth Sailing Programme in the BVI.
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