AYF Training Manager named as Nautor Navigator

by Mark Rothfield on 12 Sep 2001 The Australian Yachting Federation's Training Manager, Genevieve White, 34,
has landed the prized role of navigator aboard the Nautor Challenge women's
boat in the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race.

The French-based Nautor syndicate announced the appointment last week after
inviting Genevieve to train with them in late August. The original brief was
for her to compete in the two Southern Ocean legs as helmswoman/sail trimmer
but Genevieve has accepted for the entire race in the new position.

It presents an enormous challenge, as navigation is a highly technical and
tactical role aboard the evenly matched 60-foot racing yachts. Only the
world's best navigators make the grade, most of whom have had several years
to prepare.

The Volvo Ocean Race starts at Southampton on September 23.
This will be Genevieve's maiden round-the-world race, however she has
notched more than 32,000 ocean miles aboard yachts ranging from 65ft to
147ft as a member of delivery and racing crews.

In 1992 she narrowly missed selection for the Barcelona Olympics in the
Europe dinghy class, and previously sailed at international level in the
highly competitive 470 class.

As training manager at the Australian Yachting Federation (AYF), Genevieve
played a key role in drafting and implementing the Safety and Sea Survival
Course that is required for 30% of crews in Category 1 ocean races such as
the Sydney-Hobart. The course is currently winning widespread praise from
skippers and crews alike.

Her department is also involved in the administration of training schemes
run by recognised sailing schools around Australia, helping to build
participation and safety awareness.

Genevieve holds TL1 Sailing Master and Instructor certificates with the AYF,
along with a Royal Yachting Association Offshore Yachtmaster Certificate.
She has previously worked for Yachting South Australia and the Boating
Industry Association as a youth development officer.

AYF Chief Executive Officer Phil Jones is supportive of Genevieve's role,
knowing that the AYF will benefit from her wealth of experience upon her
return. 'She is very excited and so she should be. It is a rare opportunity
and we all wish her all the best and safe sailing,' he said.
The AYF is currently considering options to cover the training duties in the
nine months Genevieve expects to be involved in the Volvo Ocean Race.


For more details Mark Rothfield, AYF Media and Communications Manager, Ph
(02) 9922 4333, mb 0407 075 106, email
mark.rothfield@yachting.org.au