SA sailing duo surge up rankings

South African sailors Asenathi Jim and Roger Hudson have climbed up to number 24 in the ISAF World Sailing Rankings following last week’s win at the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Holland.

The duo, who represented South Africa at the London Olympics in 2012, claimed one hundred points to move up from 35th place, claiming their first major win as a team.

“We knew we had to perform and it seems that under pressure we seem to do really well. We had that pressure on us and we both love it,” Jim said after the victory.

Meanwhile, Hudson is hopeful that their first major title will boost their confidence as they look to pave their way towards the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

“It’s a big breakthrough for us and it’s great,” Hudson said. “It’s come at a really good time to motivate us and to keep us rolling with our project, which is obviously a four-year project going towards Rio.

“It’s wonderful to make this breakthrough together. We’re having a good few regattas in a row and we have a soft spot for this one, as this is where we began our campaign three years ago, so we’re very happy to have had a victory here.

“It’s also a nice moment to briefly reflect on what we’ve managed to achieve so far. Of course, very soon, after a short celebration it’ll be back to business. We’ve got two years to go to Rio and we have to keep making further breakthroughs to get to where we want to there.”