WA Sailors in Contention as Sail Melbourne gets Underway

Published On: 30 November 2017

WA sailors have made a bright start at the Sail Melbourne event currently underway at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

2017 World Championship bronze medallist Matt Wearn leads the laser class after winning the second of the opening day’s races, to follow up a second place finish in the first.

The 22 year-old was recently a finalist for the WAIS Athlete of the Year award and he currently leads ahead of Victorian Jeremy O’Connell and reigning Olympic champion Tom Burton. Fellow West Aussie Luke Elliott holds fourth position.

Rio Olympian Carrie Smith and her crew Jaime Ryan hold second rank in the women’s fleet and are currently fourth overall in the 470 class, with Chris Charlwood and his crew Josh Dawson in third place.

Nia Jerwood and Monique De Vries are in sixth place, with Orla Mulholland-Patterson – crewing for Sophie McIntosh – further back in ninth position.

WA’s David Gilmour and his crew Joel Turner are well placed in the 49er class, currently in second position behind race leaders Will and Sam Phillips.

WA duo Lachlan Gilmour and Ryan Donaldson hold sixth rank overall, whilst in the women’s class 49erFX, WA sailors Caitlin Elks and Hayley Clark are in third position within striking distance of the race lead, currently held by Amelia Stabback and Ella Clark.

Racing continues at Royal Brighton Yacht Club through til December 3.