Top sailors in Noosa national championship showdown

by Claire Kelly on 9 Dec 2010 Some of Australia’s best sailors are heading to the Sunshine Coast for the ‘Orange Power’ A-Class National Catamaran championships that will be held at the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club near Noosa from January 1- 7.

Around 80 entries are expected for the 46th Australian championship title including current world champion (his seventh world title) and seven-times national A-Class winner Glenn Ashby, who has just signed up for the New Zealand Americas cup catamaran team.

Other Australian sailors in contention for the title include past Olympic Silver medalist Andrew Landenberger and current Australian Champion Steve Brewin. Mr Brewin finished second to Glenn in the last two world titles and is hoping to go one better in 2011.

Orange Power Managing Director and part-time sailor Andrew Chaney said the competition on the coast would be intense.

'Ashby coached the winning BMW Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup, creating history earlier this year, winning the Cup in a 34m Trimaran (a little longer than the 5.5m A-Class) so he is a force to be reckoned with,' he said.

Ten other America’s Cup sailors including winning skipper, Australian James Spithill will be competing in the event alongside Queensland’s top competitors Brad Collett (2001 champion) and Brian Hooper (four times Australian champion).

Mr Chaney said Australian owned environmentally responsible company Orange Power is proud to support the event in Queensland, which started in 1965.

'Sailing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without undue pollution and we are happy to support any event that encourages people to become active in the environment ,' he said.

Australia currently has the four top ranked A-Class sailors in the world.

For more information about Orange Power products visit www.orangepower.com.au