Royal Lymington sailors Vita and Ryan optimistic for world championships

ROYAL Lymington YC sailors Vita Heathcote and Ryan Orr are looking for a strong start to the season with a good performance at the World Championships in Palma.

The duo, who recently teamed up together last year, are aiming to make the 2024 Paris Olympics in the mixed 470 fleet.

After a training camp in Villamoura, Portugal, the pair head out to Spain for further regatta training in Palma before the worlds on 18th-21st March.

Vita and Ryan expect strong competition at the mixed event which will debut at the Paris Olympics. The pair told the A&T: “We head out to Palma soon for the pre-worlds regatta and training to familiarise ourselves with the venue and conditions before the main event. It will be our first major senior event as a team and it will come with stiff competition.

“Palma is renowned for being a tricky venue, and with a gold standard fleet, it will be tough. It’s an amazing learning opportunity for us as a new pairing as there is so much to learn from the top of the fleet.

“The worlds and Europeans are particularly critical events for us as they not only decide our funding level but also determine which boats the British Sailing team will continue to support as part of Project 2024.”

Vita and Ryan thanked their sponsor Cecil Wright for their continued support in their Olympic campaign and for more information, visit their Facebook page Vita/Ryan 470sailing.