Kiwi sailor wins Bronze Medal at Para Sailing Worlds in Japan
by Yachting New Zealand 3 Nov 2022 00:22 NZDT
John Buchanan 9NZL) competed in the single handed Hansa Class at the Para Sailing Worlds © Para Sailing Worlds
John Buchanan finished third at the recent World Para Sailing Championships in Japan as para sailing looks to return to the Paralympic Games.
The Royal Akarana Yacht Club and Sailability Auckland sailor was competing in the Hansa Liberty division at the world championships, and narrowly missed clinching second by one point.
He was the only New Zealand sailor competing in the regatta.
Hiroshima simultaneous hosted the Para World Sailing Championship with the Hansa Class Asia Pacific Championship, marking a major step forward for diversity and inclusion after the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A total of 114 athletes from 13 countries across Asia, Europe, Oceania, Middle East and North and South America raced in the world (Hansa 303 male and female, and Liberty classes) and Asia Pacific championships (Hansa 303 single and double, Hansa 2.3 single and Liberty).
Para sailing officials hope the number of sailors competing and the number and spread of competing countries will help sailing's bid for inclusion in the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
For a full report on the Para Sailing Worlds and Results click here