Australia first and second at 2019 Laser Standard Worlds

Shōsha is the Japanese word for winner, victor or conqueror. 

Either way Australia wins the 2019 Laser Standard Worlds.

Miho Bay is on average 30 meters deep and riddled with reefs and quicksand bars flowing from the Hino, Miho and Amida Rivers at the Northern end of Yumigahama Peninsula in Sakaiminato City, Tottori, Japan. 

A region touristed for its pristine white beaches and as a safe harbour since an Imperial decree in 1899 which open trade with the USA and UK. 156 boats from 54 nations competed over the week long regatta with a Southern Hemisphere top four. Australia first and second followed by our over-the-ditch counterparts New Zealand with third and fourth overall.

Between them Aussie’s Tom Burton and local Laser legend Matthew Wearn appeared on seven podiums over the 12 races. Wearn commanded the golden spectrum of the podium, with three firsts and a second over his fellow Aussie. 

Tom struggled in his last races with a 13th and 14th prior to breathing a sigh of relief and what appears to be a strategic sail in the last race enjoying a victory lap, coming stone cold last, confident in his calculations of drops and points lead.

Wearn sailed his heart out knowing if he got the bullet in the last race he would have won on countback. It wasn’t to be with a fifth, cementing him in second overall.

Stay tuned for the Women’s and Radials being held in late July. Full results and photos at 2019worlds.laserjapan.org