Wave of success

The Australian Sailing Team will be entering the final push to Olympics in 2020 buoyed by recent results on the world stage.

Photography by Beau Outteridge

21 January 2020

Australian Sailing are quietly confident of the Australian Sailing Team’s chances at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, following a fantastic year for Australian sailors on the world stage. No less than 13 world titles have been claimed by Aussies. Mat Belcher and Will Ryan claimed the 470 Mens World Championship in Japan in August.

Mat Belcher, Will Ryan were rewarded for their efforts by making the Australian Sailing Team.

“To go to even one Olympics is so special, to get a chance at a third Games is an incredible feeling,” Belcher said.

“It’s great to be able to share the experience again with Will. Historically there’s been a crew change between each Games in 470, so I’m excited to go back to the Olympics with Will. We thrive in pressure situations and have such a strong relationship – now it’s up to us to do everything we can to go one better than Rio.”

Australian Sailing Team preparing for Hempel World Cup Series.

Matt Wearn (Laser). Australian Sailing Team competing at Ready Steady Tokyo (Olympic Test Event) in Enoshima, Japan.

Laser sailor Matt Wearn has also been selected in the team, and will be making his Games debut in Tokyo after finishing the 2019 season ranked number 1 in the world.

Wearn said his focus is on adding to Australia’s incredible sailing history at the Olympics.

“Australian Sailing teams have had such strong results at the Olympic level, it’s a massive honour to have a chance to continue that legacy.

“With Australia winning the Laser in London and Rio, to continue that success is a major goal.”

Other Australian sailors putting their best foot forward are Tom Burton, who won the Laser World title in the Olympic classes, alongside Nathan Outterdige and Hayley Outteridge, Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Dramanin (both in the Nacra 17).

Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin in particular had a run of regatta wins in the Nacra 17 earlier in the year.

Finn sailor Jake Lilley secured a Tokyo 2020 Quota spot after winning the Finn World Championship Medal Race.

Australian Sailing is expected to nominate athletes for selection in additional classes early in 2020.

sailing.org.au

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