World Champions 2006 - 470 Class

by Sailing Office on 2 Jun 2006 Letter from the World Champions – Malcolm Page and Nathan Wilmot

'We have just been crowned 'International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Champions' for 2006, in the Double Handed Men's division (470). This was our first regatta in Europe since the 2004 Olympics.

The ISAF World Sailing Games is a unique regatta in that it is held only every four years, all equipment (boats, sails, masts, etc.) is provided and the boats are rotated every day to ensure no advantage is given to one team.

This is our fourth World Championship in 2.5 years and the third in the Olympic 470.class. We were both surprised and happy with this result. We have only just begun our full time sailing commitment for the next Olympics, and this is a great way to start.

The ISAF World Sailing Games was first conceived in 1994. Our event was first won by John Merricks and Ian Walker (GBR) and they also took the Silver Medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. John had an amazing talent and was considered one of the best dinghy sailors the world had seen. Then in 1977, his life was tragically cut short when he died in a car accident.

A memorial trophy and foundation was immediately started in John’s honour. We are lucky enough to receive this John Merricks Trophy in addition to the World Title. The trophy will be on display at our home club (Middle Harbour Yacht Club) as soon as we return to Australia.

Lake Neusiedl (in Austria) was a funny place. This fresh water lake was a very uninviting brown colour straight after winter and had a maximum depth of 1.4 metres. On the first day, we had a wild windy rain squall and the Hobie Cats had many spills. Most injuries occurred after they hit the bottom which catapulted people through the air, breaking bones. It also had a bug problem so keeping the mouth shut was a good option ... Isn't that right Nathan?

Another bonus came with the Australian team taking out the Kings Trophy for the best performing nation at the 2006 ISAF World Sailing Games. The team had a medal tally of three gold, one silver and a bronze - it was great seeing the Aussie flag raised so many times at this event.

We will now compete for a further 2.5 months in Europe. Then we will return to Australia for a short 10 days before flying to China to compete at the 2008 Olympic venue and at the 2006 470 World Championship, where we will hopefully defend the title.

Cheers
Malcolm and Nathan.

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