Yachting Australia's Training and Talent ID Camp

by Lara Watts on 14 Jun 2007 Yachting Australia’s Queensland State High Performance Coach, Adrian Finglas conducted a Training and Talent Sailing Camp at Townsville Yacht Club from the 2nd – 3rd June, 2007.

The camp was held in conjunction with the Queensland Laser Association with the main aim being to identify and nurture young new sailing talent. A total of 15 sailors attended in all the Laser classes; full rig, Radial and 4.7.

Adrian Finglas explained 'Sailors in the north of the country have a big future if we can capture the talent and direct them into the right classes at the right age'.

'Many sailors have not been exposed to competing at events or even travelled before. If we can push this region by educating parents and young sailors about the opportunities and pathways available to them, we could potentially find our next Youth World or Olympic Champion'.

During the camp, it was identified the Laser and Optimist classes were the most cost effective to nurture this talent. Finglas said 'I believe the Laser and Optimist classes are a good choice in country regions as they are of a one design nature. With the Laser class, as the child grows the rigs can be changed from 4.7, Radial and Full Rig'.

A number of sailors exhibited huge potential including 14 year old Lisa Grey and her sister Natalie, 16 years of age. The girls currently train in the freshwater Tinaroo Dam near Cairns and have never sailed in the ocean before the attending the camp. As a result of this camp Ken Hurling from the Queensland Laser Association will hold another training camp for the girls in mid June.

Adrian Finglas commented 'It is possible for these girls to go from a low level club standard to an international youth standard in as little as 16 weeks, given the right information and correct training'.

Other athletes identified were Tommy Orr (16yrs), Andrew Torpelund (14yrs) and Adam Bettie (21yrs). Adam finished 2nd in the Open Queensland State Laser titles recently.

Experienced Laser sailors, Danny Fuller and Kelsey Ormsby are undergoing training to become accredited coaches. They will be on location in north Queensland to help these talented athletes under the watchful eye of Ken Hurling.

An additional two day training and talent camp is anticipated for later in the year. OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Team members are expected to attend to assist coaching the young sailors and to show them first hand what can be achieved in the sport of sailing when given the right training and knowledge.

www.yachting.org.au