11 year old takes out international sailing crown in Miami

by Annette Wadley on 19 Nov 2012 There certainly aren’t many 11 year olds that can call themselves a World Champion. After all the hard work and training at Lake Tinaroo North Queensland, Kristen Wadley has grabbed her first world sailing title at the Miami Yacht Club USA. Kristen took out the O’pen Bic World Cup Championship’s Under 13 Girl’s Division earlier this month.

Her father and coach, Roger Wadley said he could not be any prouder of his daughter. 'It was so emotionally draining for me to watch her and see her come over the line first in a few of her races' he said. 'This is such an amazing achievement to be recognised on the world stage'.

Kristen was one of three Australians who competed at the world event in a fleet of over one hundred sailors from seventeen countries. She made a lot of new friends that she hopes to see again when she defends her title at next year’s world Championship in Italy.

The lead up to the world titles saw Kristen win Round One of the New South Wales O’pen Cup State Titles at Avalon Sailing Club in Sydney, winning four of the five races. She also had the unforgettable experience of meeting Olympic Gold Medallist, Mathew Belcher at a Queensland youth training camp just prior to the NSW cup. Mat talked at length with Kristen as to what’s required to compete at an Olympic level. This has fueled Kristen’s ultimate goal of representing her country at a future Olympics.

Last weekend, Kristen managed an incredible clean sweep of the results, placing first in all twelve races in the Queensland O’pen Cup State Titles held at Tinaroo, North Queensland. The competition was tough, but after the experience of the World Titles, Kristen proved unbeatable in any wind condition thrown at her. It was great to see the twenty sailors show how much fun the O’pen Bics are to sail.

For Qld Open Cup results, click here