Some of Australia’s next generation of top-line Nacra sailors were granted a special treat at a training session at Lake Macquarie on the weekend when Olympic champion and America’s Cup sailor Nathan Outteridge dropped by to give an motivational talk.

Outteridge, who sailed a 49er to gold in 2012 and silver in 2016, moved into the Nacra 17 this year and, with his sister Haylee as crew, captured the silver medal at the World Championships in Denmark last month. The Outteridge siblings’ next assignment is the first Olympic Test Event, at Enoshima in Japan, which starts next week.

But first Outteridge went down to his local Wangi RSL Sailing Club, where he spoke to a talented group including Will Cooley and Evie Haseldine, who will represent Australia at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires next month. Outteridge spoke about a wide range of topics before giving a hands-on masterclass on how best to sail the two-person multi-hull.

Nathan Outteridge chats with Will Cooley, who is going to the Youth Olympic Games next month. PHOTO: Beau Outteridge

“I came down to have a little chat to the guys and girls, and it’s really cool to see them here working together,” Outteridge said. “What’s really cool is to see how enthusiastic people are to be sailing these types of boats.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to share a bit of catamaran experience. All these kids here are sailing Nacra 15s with aspirations of getting involved in foiling Nacra 17s.

“They’ve got a really unique opportunity here, with nine boats all training together, it’s something we probably haven’t seen much in this country. If this is a youth squad that’s being developed for the Nacra class, then I think we’re in good shape for the future.”

A rare treat for the NSW Youth Nacra Team. PHOTO: Beau Outteridge

The Nacra session was part of the lead-up to the NSW Youth Championships, to be held over the October long weekend at South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club.

For all details about the NSW Youth Championships, including registration, go HERE 

* Entries received after September 8 will attract a late entry fee.

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