Wearn Fifth at Laser Worlds
WAIS sailor Matt Wearn has finished fifth at the Laser World Sailing Championships in Canada.
The result is another strong performance for the 19 year-old – who represents Australia’s great depth in the laser sailing class.
It is that same talent pool however that could stand to prevent him a berth at the up-coming Rio Test event in Brazil, with the world’s top ranked laser sailor, Australian Tom Burton, finishing third in Canada and in the box-seat to take the single spot available for Australia, at the trial event in South America starting next month.
Both men will travel to Brazil for a training camp, with Yachting Australia set to name its squad on July 15.
For his part, Wearn was pleased with his result posting the following on social media.
“Fifth overall at laser worlds. Tough week of racing. Stoked with result.”
Wearn made the perfect start to his Canada campaign, with two bullets (term given to race wins in sailing) on the opening day of competition, but he slipped from medal contention during the middle of the regatta before fighting back to post a highly credible fifth place finish.
Fellow WAIS laser sailor Luke Elliot was 41stoverall.
The European 49er/FX Sailing Championships are also currently being held in Porto, Portugal, with WAIS athlete David Gilmour and his crew Rhys Mara currently 17th in the men’s 49er class, whilst fellow WAIS athlete Caitlin Elks, crewing for Haylee Outteridge in the women’s 49erFX, currently occupy 24th position.