Australians Training To Defend Title

Since last month’s announcement of the 2004 Australian Youth Team, members of the team have been hard at work on the water.

The Hobie 16 to be sailed by Michael PFEFFER (NSW) and Kiralee HOULAHAN (NSW) at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Poland in July, will be sailed with a spinnaker for the first time in 2004. The pair have been training with Yachting Australia coach Craig FERRIS at Wangi Wangi, New South Wales, Australia.

Laser Radial representative, Samanatha BOYD (NSW) has been braving Sydney conditions, training on Sydney Harbour. While, the single-handed boy’s representative, Simon MORGAN (TAS), recently won the Tasmanian Laser State Championships, held in Orford. Craig FERRIS is confident that Morgan is now fully focused on succeeding at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship.

As a team, Australia will be trying to defend the Nations Trophy they won in 2003. 2004 will see Australia sending a full team. Last year Australia only sailed in five of the six events.