Sunshine factor will dazzle at Lasers
CAROL Letten has placed faith in the "Hayling sunshine factor" as the Laser World Championships dock on the south coast over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Hayling Island Sailing Club are set to host the global show, which is expected to attract around 300 competitors from 51 nations and begins with preliminary practice on Sunday.
And with the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable in the region, entrants are being advised to prepare for anything.
But the HISC general manager is confident the sun will beat down as the competition returns to the UK for the first time since 1988.
"In truth, in September anything could happen," said Letten. "We have to be prepared for all the different extremes and possibilities.
"But suffice to say the 'Hayling sunshine factor' quite often prevails.
"We can often see sunshine here when it's raining elsewhere.
"The army of volunteers we have are all recruited and prepared.
"The safety boats are here, the race teams are ready, accommodation is filling up fast and the club kitchen is fully-stocked with orange juice, energy drinks and pasta.
"We're ready to go."
Letten's sentiments have been echoed by club commodore Mark Wood.
He said: "We have spent many months ensuring that Hayling Island Sailing Club is ready for this prestigious event.
"And we are now keeping our fingers crossed that the weather gods play their part in putting on some great conditions.
"Many HISC members will be assisting with the race management of this event and we look forward to witnessing a competitive and exciting World Championships."
One man who can't wait to get started is Paul Goodison, who landed Olympic Gold in the Laser Class in 2008 - and followed it up with the World Championship crown in Halifax, Canada last year.
He is already in town and has been delighted by what he has seen so far.
The Yorkshire sailor said: "I had probably the best day sailing so far this year on Tuesday.
"Out in Hayling Bay with the sun shining, gusts of over 30 knots and a big sea running, it was pretty exhilarating stuff.
"Preparations are going well and I'm looking forward to getting started next week.
"The weather forecast seems to be changing on an hourly basis with the low pressures rolling across the Atlantic, we could be in for a challenging week."
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Weather for Hayling
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
