The sun came out on Day two of the 2019 NSW Youth Championships, and with it came action aplenty both on the water and onshore.

The newly formed powerhouse combination of Daniel Links and Jack Ferguson keep going from strength to strength in the 420 class, and at the half way point of the regatta they hold a commanding lead. Ferguson commented on their performance thus far saying “It’s been really good considering it is our first regatta, and we are really happy with how we have been able to get in sync with each other. Conditions here have been a bit shifty but happy that today the sun came out.” 
Links, who held the Optimist National Champion title and recently switched to the 420 class commented on how he is finding the new class when he said “It’s different and new, I’m finding it a lot more fun. We are racing with older athletes now, but there are lots that came from the Optis”. Both Jack and Daniel have qualifying for Youth Worlds as their ultimate goal.

In the Optimist open class New South Wales athlete Austin Cross continues to be the standout. Optimist Coach Tom Brewer said “Austin has had an amazing day, winning 3 out of 4 races, sailing consistently and with maturity.” 

Tasmanian talent is now atop the 29er leader board with Oscar O’Donoghue and Rupert Hamilton in first and the team of Ethan Galbraith and Charles Zeeman in second.  
Ariane Saroch and Natalie Bridge have travelled down to represent Queensland in the 29ers, and after racing today shared their thoughts on the regatta. “It is so much colder down here, we had to pull out our Zhik super-warm wetsuit. We are excited to be here, with the introduction and age increase of U23 it means we have been able to sail at this regatta. Comp level here is so good. This morning was tough but we had two good races to finish today”. The girls currently sit in 11th place and are looking forward to day 3.  

In the Nacra 15 Brin Liddell and Rhiannan Brown have maintained their lead with Cole Tapper and Evie Haseldine hot on their heels in second place. Tom Dawson and Sarah Hoffman are not far off in third. “It was a pretty tough day, it was a shifty course with heaps of boats and turbulent wind” said Tom. Talking about the Nacra boat Sarah said “It is a fun, fast and sometimes can do the unexpected, but a very cool boat to be on.” 

Otto Henry from New South Wales had another strong day in the Laser Radial, and he moves in to day three leading with a total of 13 points and Paige Caldercoat is the first girl in 5th place.

Australian Sailing Team member and 2016 Olympic silver medallist in the Nacra 17 class Lisa Darmanin visited the NSW Youth Champs today before racing commenced to lead a beach clean-up. The goal of the clean-up was to ensure that the venue was to be left cleaner than when the athletes arrived. 

In the afternoon Elaine Fowler from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club took to the stage as she presented a SheSails Club Race Official Course to a group of attendees all interested in becoming Race Officers to help contribute to the sport.

Stay tuned for our final day of action tomorrow by following all of the NSW Youth Championship action online at www.sailingyouth.org.au and via the socials for the latest interviews, images, videos and racing updates @AustSailYouth on Facebook and Instagram

Social Media | @AustSailYouth on Facebook and Instagram

Website | www.sailingyouth.org.au

© ðŸ“¸ Beau Outteridge / Australian Sailing