(photo courtesy of Sail Coach)

Australian sailor Mitchell Kennedy has won the 2013 Under 21 Laser World Championship in Balaton, Hungary, with light winds making for a tough week of racing.

High temperatures and a lack of breeze on Lake Balaton had the competitors battling not only each other but also the conditions with Mitchell Kennedy from the Queensland Sailing Performance Program (QAS) taking the title by 10 points over Norway’s Hermann Tomasgaard. 

The light conditions meant that racing was possible on only three of the six days in Hungary, with just seven races completed.

Kennedy sailed consistently well all week, finishing in the top four in five of the seven races.

Australian Sailing Performance Director Peter Conde was impressed with Kennedy’s performance in Hungary against quality opposition.

“I’d like to congratulate Mitchell on his great win at the Under 21 Laser World Championship,” said Conde. “It’s very pleasing to see an Australian sailor at the top of the fleet in a regatta which was dominated by light winds.

“Mitchell had consistent results all week and hopefully this win will motivate him for further success at the senior level,” he said.

Fellow Australian Jeremy O’Connell (VIS) finished 16th, with Luke Elliott (WAIS) 26th, Ben Walkemeyer (WA) 65th and Thomas Vincent (VIS) 76th in the 138 boat fleet. 

In the Under 21 Laser Radial World Championship Ashley Stoddart (QAS) was the top ranked Australian sailor, finishing the event in 17th position.  Madison Kennedy (QAS), sister of newly crowned World Champion Mitchell, finished 30th in the Laser Radial fleet after posting some early top three race finishes.

Anna Philip (VIS) finished the week in 38th, with Emma Barton (TIS) 76th.

For more information on the Australian Sailing Team visit www.australiansailingteam.com.au and follow the Team on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AusSailingTeam.

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