Smith Claims 470 National Title

Olympian Carrie Smith has claimed a national title win at the 470 Australian National Championships in Lake Macquarie.

The 22 year-old ventured into unchartered waters at the Wangi RSL Amateur Sailing Club, with regular sailing partner Jaime Ryan not in action at the 470 Nationals as she prepares for planned post-Rio surgery – Smith instead teamed up for the first time with Amelia Catt.

As NSW sweltered through a drastic heatwave, the new combination kept their cool finishing second overall in the 10 boat fleet, but first in the women’s competition.

“It was a great event,” said Smith. “Unfortunately I didn’t have Jaime crewing with me, but I had a great time with Amelia.

“We came away with a second overall and the national title for the girls, which we were pretty happy with.”

Rio silver medallists Mat Belcher and Will Ryan claimed the men’s title and first place overall, whilst there was an impressive effort from emerging Western Australian sailor Chris Charlwood, who finished first in the juniors and third overall, alongside partner Josh Dawson.