CZE1 Sailing Team Competes in Olympic Test Event

Qingdao, CHINA (August 23, 2006) – Lenka Smidova and Elizabeth Kratzig are the only representatives from the Czech Republic competing in the first of two annual Olympic Test events. The year’s test event, named the Good Luck Beijing - 2006 Qingdao International Regatta, gives 464 top sailors from 41 countries the opportunity to test the conditions, venue and competition for the 2008 Olympic Games. The event is held from August 18-31, 2006, at the Qingdao International Marina in Qingdao, a coastal city located 430 miles east of Beijing.

Lenka Smidova and Elizabeth Kratzig are competing in the Women’s 470 class against 38 other teams. Half-way through the event they are currently in 16th place overall, but only 4 points out of 10. Top ten boats make it to the medal race. Every team is posting some big number results in the Women's 470 class, and with 5 more races left, anything can happen.

“Wow - are the conditions tough! Loads of current and very little wind. The current pushing everyone over the line makes it very difficult,” commented Elizabeth. “We made a major breakthrough yesterday in our light air boat speed. We finally found 5th gear and are as fast, or faster than any boat upwind in the 4 - 6 knot range. I think that we have finally figured out the right set-up for the sails and the technique has clicked in. Kevin Burnham, who is here coaching us, has helped us a lot.”

Ranked a Grade 2 event by ISAF, the regatta features the Olympic sailing competition’s nine classes: Finn (men); 470 (men and women); Laser (men); Laser Radial (women); Neil Pryde RS:X (men and women); 49er, Star, Tornado (all open); and Yngling (women). Each event series consists of 10 races, except the 49er which has 15 races. The top ten competitors in the first 10 races will qualify for the Medal Race on August 30. Results for the Medal Race will be double weighted. For complete results and up-to-date news, visit the regatta website: www.2006qdregatta.com