Yngling Class - Australian Olympic Profile
by AST Media/Sail-World on 8 Aug 2008
Krystal Weir and crew upwind - Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta Crosbie Lorimer
http://www.crosbielorimer.com
Profile on the Australian Yngling Team members Krystal Weir, Karyn Gojnich and Angela Farrel. The team is coached by Adrian Finglas and will commence their Olympic competition on the 9th August. After a silver medal in the 2008 Yngling World Championship, the team will be hoping to go one better and claim the Olympic Gold.
Australian Yngling TEAM MEMBERS:
KRYSTAL WEIR
Krystal began her sailing at Elwood Sailing Club and at 13, the schoolgirl was forced to make a decision. To choose between attending State trials for a hockey team or sailing – the latter won.
Krystal was chosen to represent at the 2003 Youth Worlds, finishing second in the Radial. Backing up with a win in the 2004 Radial Women’s Worlds – she was on her way. The Europe was the single-handed class for Athens, so Krystal switched, posting some good results. But then came the announcement of the Radial for 2008, so back she came. Top of her highlights is winning the 2004 Radial Worlds. In 2005 she was named Australian Female Sailor of the Year, Victorian Junior Athlete of the Year and Bayside Leader Sports Star of the Year.
The Olympics have fascinated her since 1996, when she collected anything to do with the Games. But it was the sailing competition at Sydney 2000 that fired her ambitions. She chose to campaign her Radial to Beijing against fellow Victorian Sarah Blanck. Krystal narrowly missed selection in the Laser Radial for the Beijing Olympics. After this announcement she stepped into the Yngling class to keep skipper-less crew Angela Farrell and Karyn Gojnich sailing. At the 2008 World Championships in Miami USA the team finished with a silver medal after just seven weeks together demonstrating that they are medal winning potential.
After having seven years as a solo sailor the Yngling is new and refreshing for the young 23 year old.
'It is very different sharing the workload and being specific about what role to play on the boat … a big component is trust and listening to the others and then making a decision,' said Krystal.
About Krystal
Job/Business/Study: Just finished my Bachelor of Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne.
Started sailing at (what age): When I was seven I started sailing a Sabot at Elwood Sailing Club, VIC
Amusing sporting episode: In the 2008 Yngling Women’s Worlds and experiencing a 35 knot front that wiped out the entire Yngling Fleet while we two sailed downwind past the broached Italian boat that was nearly underwater going from last to the front. Whoever said that Yngling don’t plane…well I found out they do under the right circumstances.
Best sporting achievement: 2004 Laser Radial Women’s Worlds 1st, 2008 Yngling Women’s Worlds 2nd
Most influential person in career: Lex Bertrand taught me how to step out of my comfort zone, push myself and to do things that might seem a little crazy.
Ambitions: That’s easy to answer GOLD, GOLD, GOLD
The toughest thing about competitive sailing is: Hiking hard (leaning out from the boat)
Awards: Victorian Junior Athlete of the Year: VICSPORT 2004, Australian Female Sailor of the Year 2004
My training and preparation includes: Gym, theory and getting on the water as much as I can.
Apart from sailing, I relax by: I love going to Music Festivals, and having a good Aussie Barby with friends.
I admire: My team mates and Coach in the Yngling (Karyn, Angela and Adrian) because they are so organised and committed.
Sandringham Yacht Club - it's home.
3 things I can’t live without: My sister because she helps ground me, my parents for their continuous love and support and SAILING
Personal motto: Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm
If I wasn’t sailing, I’d be: Doing my Physiotherapy degree, surfing and hanging out at the beach.
Career Highlights:
2008 Yngling Yngling World Championship Silver
2008 Yngling Australian Yngling National Championship Gold
2008 Yngling Yngling Open European Champions
(with coach, Adrian Finglas substituting for Karen Gojnich)
2007 Laser Radial Sail Auckland New Zealand 1st
2007 Laser Radial Sail Melbourne Australia 1st
2007 Laser Radial Australian Laser Championship Australia 1st
2006 Laser Radial Australian Laser Radial Championship Australia 1st
2006 Laser Radial New Zealand Laser Championship New Zealand 2nd
2006 Laser Radial Qingdao International Regatta China 31st
2006 Laser Radial Sail Melbourne Australia 1st
2005 Laser Radial Women’s Worlds Brazil 5th
2004 Laser Radial National Championship Australia 1st
2004 Laser Radial Women’s Worlds Australia 1st
2004 Award Victorian Youth Sailor of the Year Australia 1st
2004 Award Victorian Junior Athlete of the Year Australia 1st
2004 Award Australian Female Sailor of the Year Australia 1st
2003 Laser Radial ISAF Youth Worlds Portugal 2nd
2003 Laser Radial Women’s Worlds Italy 2nd
KARYN GOJNICH
Karyn has represented Australia successfully in various sailing events spanning over 20 years. Beijing will be her third Olympic Games.
The mother of two grew up by the water in Longueville Sydney, her parents were instrumental in a sail aboard a Sabot when she was eight. Flying 11’s, Cherubs and Tasars followed. Karyn crewed on the first all girl 18 foot skiff team.
Karyn joined forces with Nicky Bethwaite in the 470 class and together were the first women to represent Australia in sailing at an Olympic Games in 1988. They finished 6th in Seoul, the best of the Australians.
Karyn’s career highlights include multiple Australian National titles in the 470 and the International Yngling. Winning the J24 Asia Pacific Championships in ‘93, ‘95 and ‘96. In 1995, Karyn won the prestigious IYRU Nations Cup Grand Final, Nations Cup Match racing World Championships. After winning the 2007 Yngling Australian National Championships together with Angela and Krystal placed 2nd overall at the 2008 Yngling Women’s World Championships sailed in Miami, Florida.
Karyn and husband John have two teenage daughters – Amy (15) and Zoe (13). While it’s challenging juggling elite sailing with motherhood, she says she wouldn’t have it any other way. 'My entire family is incredibly supportive of what I do. John and the girls are behind me, 100 percent.'
Karyn has over 20 years experience in the IT industry developing custom oftware and managing client based projects.
When not sailing Karyn enjoys relaxing with family and friends, snow sports and anything to do with the water.
About Karyn
Job/Business/Study: Karyn has over 20 years experience in the IT industry developing custom software and managing client based projects.
Married/Children: Husband John, daughters Amy (15) and Zoe (13).
Boats Sailed: Yngling, 470, J24, Tasar, 18’Skiff, NS14, Cherub, Flying 11, Sabot
Started sailing at age: 8 on the Lane Cove River in a Sabot with Iain Murray’s wife Alex.
First event competed in: After club racing - NSW Sabot State Championships
The toughest thing about competitive sailing is: Getting it all right on the day!
My training and preparation includes: Sailing, gym, sailing, bike riding, sailing, boat work, sailing, more boat work!, sailing
Before I compete I always: Enjoy a big breakfast and a good coffee.
I admire: Fellow members of the Australian Sailing Team (athletes, coaches and management) – each and every one of them are world class, dedicated to perfection and giving Australia the best possible opportunity to be successful in China this year. Anyone who has a vision – or a dream – and pursues it.
Any athlete that has been selected to represent their country at the Olympic Games. At the moment Cadel Evans who is using the Tour de France as preparation for the road race in the Beijing Olympics
Ambitions: To win that elusive Gold medal in Qingdao.
3 Olympic Ga
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/47385