Zach Railey Brings Home the Silver From DenmarkBy Anne McKay Garris
Last week, the Clearwater Yacht Club membership gathered to once again celebrate the exploits of 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist, Zach Railey. The young sailor who grew up learning to sail and race in the Yacht Club's program, had brought home another silver medal. This time his triumph was at the Finn Gold Cup competition in Vallensbaek, Denmark. This is the world championship for the Finn sailboat. "Eighty-nine sailors from 30 countries competed in the regatta and racing was tight throughout the six-day event," according to Railey who added, "I'm happy about my finish. Of course I would have preferred to finish one step higher on the podium, but I'm happy with this result and am already looking forward to next year's Gold Cup." Kenneth Andreasen, Head Coach for the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, added, "This is the first time since 1991 that a USA sailor has won a medal at the Finn Gold. No other sailor in the world currently has the same consistency in the Finn at such a high level as Zach has." Gold Medal winner at the Denmark regatta was local favorite, Jonas Hogh-Christensen who finished sixth in last year's Olympic Games in China. Zach, and his sister, Paige are both members of the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, sponsored by US Sailing in their training to go to the 2012 Olympics, to be held in Weymouth, England. Paige has been placing well in the Laser Radial competitions this year. "I hope we can go together to the 2012 Olympics," Zach told his well-wishers at the Yacht Club reception last week. Following participation in the Skandia Sail For Gold Regatta, to be held in Weymouth in September, Zach and several of his teammates will return to Clearwater. From October to February Zach and Paige will be practicing in Clearwater waters, joined by champion sailors from England, Denmark, Spain, Canada and Holland. Come fall, Pinellas County sailing enthusiasts should keep their eyes on Clearwater Bay for the sight of some very fast boats, expertly sailed.
|