Sail Sydney a spectacular launching pad for LA 2028

Over the next four days, Sydney Harbour will come alive as Australia’s top sailors kick off their campaigns for the LA 2028 Olympics. Against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic waterways, Sail Sydney will provide strong competition across a range of Olympic and invited classes, with fresh faces and seasoned sailors looking to leave their mark.

Returning full-time to the 49erFX class, New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Scholarship holder Laura Harding and Victoria’s Annie Wilmot are reuniting with renewed focus. After a stellar 2024 season, which saw them secure fifth place at the 49erFX World Championships and sixth at the European Championships, the duo have their sights set on Olympic glory.

Having taken a brief hiatus to recharge and compete in the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup, Harding reflected on their journey when she said: “It’s been great to get back in the boat with Annie and find our feet again. Taking some time away was critical before channeling all our energy into the Olympic campaign.”

Wilmott added: “Missing out on Paris was tough, but our results earlier this year were hugely motivating as we dive into this next quad.”

2024 Olympian, and NSWIS Scholarship athlete, Evie Haseldine (pictured above with Olivia Price) will also return to racing with her new helm Brooke Wilson, who has moved over from the ILCA6 class. The pair have been putting in the hours on the water, with almost 45 hours on the boat as a pair, building synergy and honing their technique.

In the 49er class, NSWIS’s Max Paul and Jack Ferguson and are looking sharp as they reignite their partnership. After Paul missed out on selection for Paris with 2016 gold medallist Tom Burton, the pair reunited earlier this year and impressed with a sixth place finish at their first event at the 2024 Trofeo Princesa Sofia World Cup Series.

Ferguson said: “It’s been exciting getting back into the 49er with Max straight off the back of the Youth America’s Cup. We’re eager to start pushing with our campaign towards LA28, and although it’s a long road we know that four years can blow by quickly.”

The Sydney-based sailor added, “We’ve just finished a great coaches regatta from the NTC which gave us an opportunity to work on some things and line up with our competition before the regatta.”

“Sail Sydney presents a fantastic warm up before we head over to Europe early next year. The forecast looks awesome with plenty of variety, so we can’t wait to start racing hard on Friday.”

The 49er fleet always promises tough competition, including up-and-comers Jacob Marks and Charlie Zeeman, representing host club Woollahra Sailing Club, alongside other top-tier national crews.

Fresh off the Oceania Championships at Sail Melbourne, the 470 mixed fleet arrives in Sydney ready to race. With several developing crews in attendance, the racing on Sydney Harbour is set continue to push these teams as they build momentum and experience towards LA.

Adding even more excitement to Sail Sydney, the iQFoil and Formula Kite classes will race at Botany Bay, with all eyes on Olympic silver medallist, and NSWIS athlete, Grae Morris (pictured above) as he looks to continue the momentum from his Sail Melbourne win.

Racing will run from Friday 6th to Monday 9th of December, with multiple venues, including Woollahra Sailing Club and Georges River Sailing Club, hosting the action.

For the full list of competitors and more information, visit https://www.sailsydney.org/competitor-information/entry-list

Sailing Australia

Main Photo: Sailing Energy