Landenberger, Reffold top placed Aussies in Stars

by Media Services on 27 Jun 2006 It's been a while since Andrew Landenberger has sailed monohulls but he is enjoying his return in the Star class. The Australian is currently living in Germany after marrying a local girl and setting up a successful sail loft, catering mainly to the many One Design catamerans that 'Landy' has made his name in, over the years.

Landenberger first came to prominence in Moths, leading the way with skiff development and winning the 1989 Worlds. He moved on to Tornado's where he succesfully teamed with Mitch Booth to win Australia an Olympic Silver Medal in Atlanta.

Since then Landenberger has based himself in Europe, but still maintaining his Australian roots and was proud to again have the AUS on top of his sail, here in Kiel. Last year he won the Top Cat Worlds for Australia on Lake Garda and this was the last time he displayed the AUS, prior to Kiel.

This was the first real hitout for 'Landy' since getting his Star to Europe and he recruited another Aussie, Simon Reffold who has been in the class for a couple of years, to help him with the transition.

'It is such a challenge and priviledge to sail against some of the 'worlds greats' in this class' said Landy. 'We are just apprentices compared to Mark Mendleblatt (the regatta winner), the Roy Heiners', Robert Scheidts' and David Gileses' (who teamed with Hamish Pepper for this event), but we are learning and were happy to improve over the event.'

Landy is planning on bringing his family back to Australia to live in the not too distant future. 'I'll keep sailing the Star here in Europe for a while' said Andrew, 'and I'll keep working on improving in this Class over the years; they require such finesse, it's a challenge I am looking forward to.'

Andrew Landenberger is supported by Magic Marine and Simon Reffold by Travelscene.