South Africa have sent a Youth Team to the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Århus, Denmark. The South African sailors are amongst the 29 APP sailors who are helped each year to compete by ISAF and the programme. They get financial backing and an internationally renowned coach in the form of Jim Saltonstall (World Youth Sailing Trust coach) to help them throughout the week.

Hobie 16 Champion, Matthew Whitehead along with crew member, Michael Ovenstone are currently lying in FIRST place in the Multihull category, sailing on a Sirena SL16.

After four races they are two points ahead on 12.

The South African positions:

1. Rudi McNeill - Laser, 22nd after four races (climbed 3 places)
2. Claire Walker - Laser, 36th after four races.
3. Taariq Jacobs and Neil Malan - 29'er, 10th after five races (climbed 10 places)
4. Mathew Whitehead and Michael Ovenstone - Sirena SL16, 1st after four races (climbed 3 places).

The Volvo Youth Championships end on the 19th of July 2008.

CLICK HERE for the full report and photographs of Mathew and Michael on the Sirena SL16