Following on from a successful Rio Olympic campaign, laser sailors around the country are now gearing up for their class nationals this summer, which will be held at the Adelaide Sailing Club, South Australia from 28 December 2016 – 4 January 2017.
Entries are now open through the event website and the Notice of Race is also available.
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The South Australian Laser Association’s Andrew Darcey said he was excited for the event as it would be an opportunity to see “some of the world’s best sailors right off West Beach”.
“Australia has the best Laser sailing program in the world – having won the past two men’s Olympic Gold Medals, as well as at one stage in the past Olympic cycle having 6 sailors ranked in the top 10 in the world,” he said.
“The Laser program has gone from strength to strength and it will be great to see these amazing athletes show us how to sail a Laser out on the waters of St Vincent’s Gulf.”
Andrew said the event also created one of the most diverse ranges of competitors with both women and men competing between the ages of 13 and 70.
“The three rig sizes on the laser allows for competitors of all shapes and sizes and experience levels to compete against their peers – along with strong age group divisions which creates an equal playing field across the board.”
2012 Olympic men’s Laser gold medallist Tom Slingsby attended the 2010 nationals in Adelaide. Photo: Peter Muirhead
Facilities
Adelaide Sailing Club offers state-of-the-art facilities including a large grass rigging area, beach access with breakwater protection and a great clubhouse with delicious food and friendly service.
The club offers a warm and welcoming vibe and is a stone’s throw away from the gorgeous Glenelg precinct, offering a range of accommodation, hospitality and night life options.
The views from the clubhouse at the Adelaide Sailing Club are some of the best in Adelaide.
Sailing conditions
Andrew said South Australia’s Gulf St Vincent offered “perfect summer sailing conditions” where sailors often see consistent 15 to 20-knot sea breezes with good swell that make for great Laser sailing.
“The race course is only a 10-minute sail from the launching area, allowing for great spectating from the balcony at Adelaide Sailing Club,” he said.
Big names on the entry list
Olympic Gold Medalist Tom Burton is still a possibility to attend the event while his major competitor for the Rio Olympic berth, Matthew Wearn, has already entered, so there is no doubt the standard will be very high.
For more information about the 2017 Laser Nationals at Adelaide Sailing Club, head to the event website.
