An impressive 16 nations are competing in the RS Venture Connect World Championships 2024. Taizo Nishikawa & Yoko Sone are one of two Para teams representing Japan. Yoko talks to us just she’s boarding the flight to the UK ahead of the championship, and tells us how she’s transitioned from single-handed para sailing boats into the RS Venture Connect.
Why did you sign-up to the RS Venture Connect World Championship?
“The boat is very exciting to sail. We want to race with sailors from other countries sailors and challenge ourselves in the RS Venture Connect.”
What’s your sailing background?
Taizo Nishikawa & Yoko Sone alongside Japan’s other Para Team entry Noriaki Nishino & Mariko Yamamoto
“Taizo and I mainly sail the Hansa 303 in Enoshima and Wakasu.”
How did you meet your teammate? What’s your favourite thing about sailing together?
“I met Taizo for the first time when I joined the Hansa 2.3 weekend sailing training program. After that, we meet again at Wakasu marina and became good friends.”
Why do you choose to sail the RS Venture Connect?
“We mainly sail in single-handed classes, so this is the first time we will be sailing together. I am looking forward to competing with Taizo as my teammate in Rutland because I respect his attitude towards sailing. We are interested in the RS Venture Connect.”
What are you most looking forward to at the World Championships?
“We are looking forward to the race, of course, but also sailing with the RS Venture itself and seeing the scenery at Rutland.”
Thanks to Yoko Sone for the interview. Click here to find out more about the RS Venture Connect World Championship 2024.