History in the making
Nina Curtis has been named to the Australian SailGP Team.
11 May 2021
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In an Australian first, sailor Nina Curtis has been officially selected to the Australian SailGP Team following a development and training camp at the Bermuda Grand Prix event.
The camp forms part of SailGP’s Race for the Future, an initiative to expand female participation in the sailing and professional competition.
Curtis was confirmed, along with along with Lisa Darmaninto, to join this training and development program last month following her performance at a two-day training camp organised by Tom Slingsby earlier this year.
Both Curtis and Darmanin were immersed with the Australian SailGP Team during the training camp, learning various roles and receiving one-on-one training from the Australian team members.
Both athletes also had the opportunity to sail on board the SailGP 50-foot foiling catamaran in the sixth sailor position.
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After reviewing Curtis and Darmanin’s ability on the F50 and their integration into the team, Slingsby appointed Curtis to join the squad for the duration of Season 2.
Curtis brings an extensive experience to the team, winning a Silver Medal at the 2012 Olympic games in Women’s Match Racing and competing in the Ocean Volvo Race.
“Both Lisa and Nina brought years of experience to the table and are arguably the top two female sailors in Australia. It was a really tough decision to make, but we are excited to have Nina join our team,” said Slingsby on the appointment.
“The next phase of the program will see us develop Nina’s skill set on board the F50, working with her to identify the onboard position that she feels she is best suited to. We are working with the fastest sailing catamarans in the world, and with this comes the need for intense training to allow any athlete to safely race on these boats.
“The focus this season will be to fast-track Nina’s development with the goal of having her on the start line, racing with the team in the future.”
“It’s a dream come true to be selected to join the Australian SailGP Team,” added Curtis.
“I am so proud to be given the opportunity to represent my country and Australian female sailors on a global stage.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the F50 with the team. The sailing is absolutely extraordinary and like nothing I have ever done before. I have always been in my element when on a steep learning curve and I’m excited to learn quickly and show the world what female sailors are capable of.”
The Australian team will now prepare for the next event, which will take place 5–7 June in Taranto, Italy.
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