Sail Brisbane rounds out 2024 and launches to 2032

Liddell and Brown during Sail Brisbane 2024 © Mike Middleton

Sail Brisbane concluded today after a week of challenging yet rewarding racing on Moreton Bay. Hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the past 20 years, the event tested both organisers and competitors with squalls, strong winds, and thunderstorms early in the week before clearing to ideal conditions for the 260 sailors across various classes.

Australian Sailing Team athletes competed in the Nacra 17, ILCA6, and ILCA7 classes, alongside international athletes drawn to this iconic regatta. With the ILCA Nationals set to take place at the same venue in January next year, the event was a valuable lead-up for many.

Zac Littlewood claimed victory in the ILCA7 class, bouncing back from a second-place finish at Sail Melbourne. Reflecting on the week, the 23-year-old from Perth explained, "The regatta was heavily influenced by the current and the geographical factors, and the wind was coming from different directions every day." He added, "It was really good to be tested here in regatta format ahead of our Nationals coming up in a couple of weeks."

Meanwhile, in the ILCA6, Elyse Ainsworth from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club staged a dramatic final-day comeback to take the win, finishing ahead of German and Swiss rivals. "It's great to finish on a high," Ainsworth shared. "The Australian ILCA fleet is really growing, and our skill level is rising, so it was really positive to see a healthy fleet out on the water this week."

Mara Stransky during Sail Brisbane 2024 - photo © Mike Middleton

New South Wales duo Brin Liddell and Rhiannan Brown dominated the Nacra 17 class. "This was our first regatta back in Australia since the Olympics, so it's nice to be racing at home waters," Liddell said. "It's a nice little way to finish off for the year, and now we have a bit of time off before getting back into it."

The combination of Sail Melbourne, Sail Sydney, and Sail Brisbane offer a unique opportunity for junior and youth sailors to race alongside Australian Sailing Team athletes, providing a clear pathway to the Olympic classes.

Australian Sailing Team High Performance Director Iain Brambell reflected on the significance of these events, stating, "It's encouraging to see so many athletes competing across these key regattas as they kickstart campaigns toward LA 2028. From seasoned Olympic campaigners to new pairings and emerging performers, the depth in our squad is exciting."

Brambell emphasised the importance of domestic competition, saying, "Having a strong domestic squad is critical for athlete development and achieving repeatable podium performances. These regattas play a vital role in strengthening our pipeline toward Brisbane 2032."

He concluded, "The trio of regattas is set to grow in size and stature, providing unique and challenging conditions for both Australian and international competitors. This is an exciting time for our sport as we build toward future Olympic success."

With a home Olympics on the horizon in Brisbane, the event signals a new era of opportunity and inspiration for Australia's future sailing champions. Sailing is perhaps the only sport where training and competing within the Olympic venue this many years out provides a critical advantage.

For Australian sailors, becoming intimately familiar at an Olympic venue in all conditions is key to success. Understanding the nuances of varying conditions and how they manifest is a skill that takes time to develop, and the Australian Sailing Team is committed to utilising every possible opportunity on the road to the 2032 Games in Brisbane.

For the full results visit www.rqys.com.au/sail-brisbane-2024