Sailors Claim Two Gold at Youth Nationals

Published On: 10 January 2011

WAIS’s group of young sailors have continued their impressive start to 2011, claiming two national titles at the 2011 OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Championships. 

The regatta, held at Georges River 16ft Sailing Club in Sydney, saw Matthew Wearn back up his efforts from the Laser Nationals the week before with another gold medal in the Laser Radial class.

Wearn overcame a slow start to the week to win the regatta, ahead of fellow Australian Mitchell Kennedy with Great Britain’s Elliot Hansen third. He had an amazing finish to the regatta, winning the final five races to overhaul the leaders and gain a place on the Australian Youth Sailing Team.

“I started off not so well but then began racking up the good points with five bullets to finish the regatta which was a good way to end it,” said Wearn.

“There was some great competition, especially Mitchell Kennedy, it was really tough to beat him.”

The other gold medal winner was Eamon Robertshaw, who took home the title in the Tecno 293 class after being first Australian in the standings. Robertshaw finished behind New Caledonia’s Antoine Aubert, having secured a position on the Australian Youth Sailing Team following a count-back for second position overall.

Robertshaw edged out Sam Treharne by the smallest of margins, with his final race win, compared to Treharne’s sixth, enough to get him over the line.

“It was really close between Sam and I with some great racing all week,” said Robertshaw.

“I had a slow start to the regatta with a two sevenths and an OCS but worked my way back from then on and am thrilled with the result. I’m really looking forward to going to my second Youth Worlds, last year was a great experience and I’ve learnt a lot since them, especially racing in big fleets,” he said.

A third podium position was secured by 420 sailors Ella Clark and Carrie Smith who finished second. They will have the chance to join their WAIS teammates Wearn and Robertshaw on the Australian Youth Team following their class national championships later this week.