WAIS Sailing Update
Members of the WAIS sailing squad have been in action over the past week both domestically and overseas.
17 year-old laser sailor Matt Wearn fought back impressively from a slow start to the Hyeres World Cup event in France, to finish 18th overall. Having been ranked in the mid 40’s earlier in the regatta, it was testament to the resolve of the young athlete to battle back manfully in the senior ranks, amongst many top international quality opposition.
Fellow WAIS laser sailor Luke Elliot also sailed in Hyeres, finishing third in the silver fleet, capping an impressive display from the WAIS competitors in action.
Wearn is now headed for Lake Garda in Italy where he will sail in Euro Cup event as he continues to build experience on the international circuit.
The Australian Youth Sailing Team in preparations for July’s Youth World Championships in Cyprus, embarked on a week long camp in the challenging and technical waters of Sydney Harbour. WAIS athletes; Ella Clark, Thomas Blaauw, Lachy Gilmour, Carrie Smith and Mark Spearman all attended.
2008 Beijing Olympic champion Tessa Parkinson is set for a busy 2013. Parkinson in recent times has been training the 49erFX with fellow West Australian Kate Lathouras, but also plans to contest this year’s 470 World Championships in September with former WAIS scholarship holder and 2006 Junior World Champion, Chelsea Hall.