With less than a week before the 49er World Championships, Virgin Islands sailors Alec Anderson and Chris Brockbank are making final adjustments in preparation for their 2nd of 3 chances to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. Photo: Provided

Alec and Chris have been in Buenos Aires for the past 3 weeks preparing for the World Championships. They recently competed in the “warm up” event, the 2015 49er South Americans, where they missed qualifying for Gold Fleet by just 2 points, and sat in first in the Silver fleet after 2 days of racing. Photo: Provided

The 49er World Championships will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from November 16-21, 2015. This will act as a qualifier for Rio Olympics 2016, with over 30 countries competing for just 3 spots allocated. Photo: Provided

The 49er World Championships will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from November 16-21, 2015. This will act as a qualifier for Rio Olympics 2016, with over 30 countries competing for just 3 spots allocated.

Alec and Chris have been in Buenos Aires for the past 3 weeks preparing for the event. They recently competed in the “warm up” event, the 2015 49er South Americans, where they missed qualifying for Gold Fleet by just 2 points, and sat in first in the Silver fleet after 2 days of racing.

With highlights of a 4^th in race 4, as well putting up multiple top ten results in Silver, the boat and work put in seems to be paying off. With varying results throughout the event Alec stated: “We have done a great job securing some top 5 races throughout the days leading up to Worlds, we need to limit our bad races to ones that we can keep the score, this will help us in achieving our best result yet at the 2015 Worlds next week.”

With just a few days left of practice before the worlds start both Alec and Chris are busy doing the final preparations. Things such as making sure the boat is running at 100% as well as them staying loose and rested will be of the uttermost importance in the days leading up.

The venue has proven to be a difficult place to sail, with shallow brown water, very shifty conditions, as well as steep choppy waves, will all contribute to making the racing as challenging as possible. Not to mention the best of the best will be on hand, including recently crowned International Sailing World Male sailors of the year Blaire Tuke and Peter Burling from New Zealand, who look to defend their world title that they have owned since their Silver Medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.

After the Worlds wrap up, it will be right back to business for the duo. With just 3 weeks back in the VI to train before they head to Miami for the month of January, time will be of the most importance in the lead up for the Miami World Cup. This will act as the 3^rd of 3 chances to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

You can follow all the action in Buenos Aires at www.49er.org as well check out their facebook page for daily updates at Anderson/ Brockbank Sailing.