Australia. Sydney International Regatta (SIR): Strong local team set to challenge international sailors

It’s only one month until local sailors challenge the best of the international circuit when the Sydney International Regatta kicks off on 16 December, 2006.

With seventeen classes involved in this years’ event, the Sydney International Regatta will be the ideal opportunity for our top Australian talent to size up the competition.  

A large fleet is expected to take to the water for four days of racing in Olympic-470 men and women, 49er, Finn, Laser, Laser Radial, RS:X Board men and women, Yngling, Star, Tornado, Paralympic – 2.4mR, SKUD 18 and Sonar, Youth-420, Laser 4.7 and 29er and invited classes – OK Dinghy and the Formula 18 Catamaran. 

One sailor keen to make an impact is champion sailor Tom Slingsby who has been competing at the Sydney International Regatta for the last five years and will join the large Laser fleet again this year. Over the past twelve months Slingsby has won the Laser class at the Hyères regatta, the Laser class at the ISAF World Games and the Holland Regatta.  In the 48-boat Laser fleet at Sydney International Regatta in 2005, Slingsby finished second behind New Zealander Andrew Murdoch. 

“My first Sydney International Regatta was in 1999 and I’ve raced every year since.  Sydney Harbour is a challenging sailing location and provides a broad range of conditions.  The regatta is always good to tune up against as there is a pretty high standard.  I’m aiming for a top place this year, as I’ve have had a couple of seconds, so I am looking to do one better this year”, commented Slingsby.

Also on the pace are 470 mens’ team Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page, who sailed in the 49er class at last years’ event, and who will be returning this year to sail in the 470 class.  They are firing up to challenge a number of international teams from Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany and Japan as well as a strong Australian side, 

“This my 10^th year competing at Sydney International Regatta, there’s no better place that Sydney Harbour - it’s really special sailing in your home town.  Sydney International Regatta is a great bench mark for us mid way through our summer season and before we hit the European summer”, said Page.

Also in great form is three-times world champion RS:X board sailor Allison Shreeve who is back to better her 2005 Sydney International Regatta’s third place in the women’s RS:X’s class.  The RS:X fleet are looking to be extremely competitive with a number of up-and-coming board sailors in both the men’s and women’s fleets joining the competition this year.

“I’m really looking forward to spending the summer racing at home.  Sydney International Regatta is a great opportunity for us for training and for preparation for the upcoming 2007 Olympic season”, said Allison.

Sydney International Regatta Notice of Race and entry form are available on the Yachting NSW’s website is www.nsw.yachting.org.au.  Entries are being accepted now and it is recommended to get in early to avoid a late fee.

Sam Crichton:

Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 November 2006 )