Bronzed Wearn Returns to AST

Published On: 2 February 2015

Matt Wearn captured a bronze medal in the men's laser in Miami which has returned him onto the Australian Sailing Team

WAIS sailing athlete Matthew Wearn has earned a bronze medal at the ISAF Miami World Cup requalifying for the Australian Sailing Team in the process.

Competing in the men’s laser and amongst a high calibre international field, Wearn produced a solid campaign to finish second in the medal round, and in third position overall.

“I wanted to finish the regatta strongly,” Wearn said after racing. “Being a perfectionist I didn’t just want the third place overall, but getting a second in the medal race today was a good way to finish off the week. I was extremely happy to have such a solid performance both in today’s race and during the regatta.”

After finishing second at the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Melbourne and third in the strong fleet of Miami, Wearn requalifies for a spot on the Australian Sailing Team (AST) – a position he lost after a disappointing 28th at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain last September.

“To requalify for AST is such a great feeling,” he exclaimed. “Especially to bounce back after my worlds experience. It’s just nice to get back on track for 2016.”

Wearn and current Laser World number one Tom Burton (NSW) had one of the closest battles at the recent Laser Nationals, underlining the current strength of the squad, coached by 2000 Olympic bronze medallist Michael Blackburn, and as far as Wearn is concerned the battle will continue.

“Miami has been a great confidence boost – also to get on top of TB (Tom Burton). He’s had a full on Australian summer also with the Moths, probably more full on than mine, but you got to be ready to race when you need to race,” Wearn said about the competition between Tom Burton and himself.

“Things get heated out on the water at times, as you’d expect in racing, but on shore we are good mates and it’s great for the team to have good training partners going into 2016.”

There was also an impressive showing in Miami in the women’s skiff class (49erFX) from WAIS athlete Caitlin Elks and her partner Tess Lloyd. The duo qualified for the medal round, and placed sixth overall, top of the competing Australian contingent.

WAIS athlete David Gilmour and his crew Rhys Mara had an up and down campaign, finishing 19th and missing out the medal round. They had started their campaign well, but tailed off in the second half of the competition.

– with YachtingAus