The Australian Sailing Team (AST) is set to compete in Sail Melbourne at Royal Brighton Yacht Club, featuring Olympians, emerging talent, and newcomers across a strong multi-class fleet. This premier Olympic-class regatta brings together athletes from the AST, Australian Sailing Squad (AS Squad), Australian Sailing Futures (ASF), and the wider sailing community, providing a unique opportunity for national squads to race at home.
As Melbourne is known for its unpredictable sailing conditions, competitors from diverse backgrounds are preparing for various challenges. The ILCA 6 fleet includes 53 entries, with notable international competitors such as past World Champions Emma Plasschaert (BEL) and Maria Erdi (HUN). This high-calibre field also features entrants from the USA, Great Britain, Poland, New Zealand, and Japan, making it one of the regatta’s standout fleets.
Olympic Champion Matt Wearn is making his anticipated return to racing in the ILCA 7, joining a robust domestic squad ready to tackle the challenging conditions of Port Phillip. Grae Morris, an iQFOiL Olympic silver medallist, expressed excitement about the unpredictable Melbourne breeze, which provides ample opportunity for tactical sailing. “I am very excited to race at Sail Melbourne… it’s a tricky venue, very unpredictable,” he said, noting the electric energy of the fleet with a strong New Zealand presence.
49erFX sailor Laura Harding, the 2025 Victorian Female Sailor of the Year, returns to a venue significant to her development. Reflecting on her past experiences, Harding noted the unpredictability of the conditions in Port Phillip, describing it as a place where competitors can encounter a range of weather scenarios. She commented on her trust in the challenging conditions to test her skills and those of her competitors.
Sail Melbourne runs from Thursday 27 November to Sunday 30 November, showcasing a vibrant array of elite racing alongside grassroots participation on Australian waters. Following the regatta is the perfect chance to observe how both seasoned sailors and budding talents perform under pressure.
For more information, follow the regatta at Sail Melbourne.
Hashtags: #SailMelbourne #AustralianSailing #OlympicSailing
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