Wearn Top of the Class in Aarhus Test

WA sailor Matt Wearn has won gold at the Aarhus Test event in Denmark, scene of next year’s World Sailing Championships.

Wearn topped the podium in the laser class, whilst fellow West Aussie David Gilmour competed with Joel Turner (QAS) in the 49er class for a bronze medal, capping a great week of racing for WA’s elite sailors.

Competing in a fleet of 62 boats, Wearn and reigning Olympic champion Tom Burton produced a spirited battle across the week of racing, with the lead changing hands on numerous occasions over the course of competition.

Sailing in a south-westerly breeze of 11-15 knots, gusting up to 20 knots, the final day proved challenging for the fleet.

“It was a bit of a snakes and ladders kind of day,” said Wearn at the conclusion of racing. “Anything can happen in these conditions.

“I’m really happy to finish off with the win. There’s a really wide range of conditions here in Aarhus – which really suits me.”

In the 49er class, Gilmour enjoyed a great result in recording a podium finish, with the third place effort set to seal the duo a spot on the Australian Sailing Team roster for the journey ahead to next year’s Championships.

Gilmour and Turner overcame a slow start to build excellent form throughout the remainder of the regatta, with their bronze medal adding to a silver medal claimed by fellow Aussies Sam and Will Phillips.

Western Australian pair Lachy Gilmour and Ryan Donaldson showed plenty of future promise by posting a 13th overall ranking with some very solid racing displayed.

Olympians Carrie Smith and Jaime Ryan (QLD) earned a fifth place ranking in the women’s 470, Ella Clark – crewing for Amelia Stabback (NSW) in the 49erFX posted a sixth place finish, with Caitlin Elks and her crew Hayley Clark in 12th.

First year senior Elyse Ainsworth snared three top 10 finishes and two podiums, en route to an overall ranking of 12th in a highly encouraging performance from the 18 year-old in the laser radial class.