Matt Wearn with unassailable lead in Laser class

WAIS sailor Matt Wearn is set to achieve his dream of being crowned Olympic Champion after securing an unassailable lead ahead of the medal race in the Laser regatta.

Wearn had a difficult start to regatta with uncharacteristic finishes before finding his feet in race three and mounting a major comeback. A series of consistent races including two wins set Wearn up in a strong position ahead of Friday’s racing.

The strong winds that have featured throughout the competition did not continue on Friday, with Wearn using his tactical nous and experience to out sail his rivals. A tactical final race and Wearn used every bit of his experience to put himself in the right spot. Points carry through to the medal races and with a maximum of 20 points possible in the medal race Wearn’s 22 point lead makes him all but assured of the gold medal providing he finishes Sunday’s race or avoids disqualification.

“I’m just over the moon,” Wearn said, after returning to Enoshima to a cheering Australian contingent, including fellow Western Australian sailors Monique de Vries and Nia Jerwood.

“To have it signed, sealed and delivered with one race to spare is a dream come true.” 

The win is set to be Australia’s third straight gold medal in the event, following victories by Tom Slingsby in 2012, and Tom Burton in 2016.