Thad Lettsome posted a 2nd place finish in Race 4 of 10 as he competed in the second day of racing in the Men’s Dinghy ILCA7 on August 2, in Marseille, France. The remarkable achievement improves Lettsome’s overall standing to a 34/43 position as he prepares to compete in 6 more races over the next 3 days.
Heading out to the first racecourse of the day for the 3rd race in the Men’s Dinghy series, Lettsome had set the goal of getting better starts. While he started among the leaders, he was not able to hold the position for the remainder of the race. Lettsome dropped to the middle and the back of the pack, completing the race 36/43.
Lettsome took a different approach to Race 4 and started from a more open area with a view to sailing around the fleet. The higher risk tactic paid off.
“I had a good start and was able to sail in clear breeze and execute my own plan,” said Lettsome. “I made sure I kept my eye on the other sailors and stayed between them and the mark. I ended up rounding the first mark 1st and finishing the race 2nd.”
Coach Chris Watters reflected on the day’s events noting that following the 3rd race, the two had discussions on making changes for the 4th race and gave insights on the legs between the marks.
“He started with good company around him, including a medalist from past Games, and from that point forward, he just sailed an incredible race and led the first beat,” said Watters. “He split from the sailor on the next leg, and by the top mark he was 3rd in the first group. He managed to pass one boat on the last downwind and close the gap with the first to end the day in 2nd. To hold on to the lead and not let it slip the whole time was awesome to watch. This is the potential that we’ve seen from Thad these past few months and today he sailed super well.”
Coach and sailor will review the races and recap on the execution of the objectives as they discuss how to apply lessons learned for the upcoming Races 5 and 6 on August 3.
Making a special visit from Paris to the sailing venue in Marseille, the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro accompanied BVI Olympic Committee President Ephraim Penn, Secretary General Lloyd Black and Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott to watch the races. Lettsome’s family is also in Marseille for the duration of his events.
Lettsome joined the visitors after his races where he was congratulated on his results and encouraged to continue excelling in his sport.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to Thad for his outstanding performance today,” said Hon. Minister de Castro. “Rounding the first mark in 1st place and finishing 2nd out of 43 in Race 4 of the ILCA7 Men’s Dinghy is a remarkable achievement! His dedication, skill, and tenacity have brought immense pride to the British Virgin Islands. His hard work and high standard of competition inspire us all. The entire territory is behind him every step of the way and I am confident that he will keep making waves in the sailing world.”
President Penn shared his view on the BVI’s first sailing Olympian since Robby Hirst competed at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
“Today’s outcome is exactly the goal of the BVIOC’s mission in working with National Federations to help athletes advance compete at the highest level,” said President Penn. “Thad’s story started as a young boy sailing in the youth sailing programme with the Royal BVI Yacht Club. His passion for the sport, support from his parents, and determination to progress were the additional elements needed to supplement the efforts of all his coaches along the way. Making it to his first Olympic Games and giving such an amazing delivery toady against a field of more experienced sailors couldn’t make us prouder of Thad as he continues to represent Team BVI at the world’s most prestigious sporting event.”
Lettsome will also compete in the twice-daily ILCA7 races on August 4 and 5. The medal race takes place on August 6. The event schedule and results can be found on Paris 2024.sailing.org.
Lettsome, was a Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony.
Track and field events for the VI athletes take place at the Stade de France in Paris and start on August 3 when Brathwaite will compete in the 100m rounds starting at 5:45am AST. Hodge will take to the blocks in the 200m rounds on August 4 starting at 4:55am AST. McMaster competes in the 400m hurdles heats on August 5 starting at 4:05am AST.
Approximately 10,500 participants from over 200 Olympic Delegations will compete in 32 Olympic sports. The Games can be followed live on SportsMax Channels.
