Sydney Harbour to host Olympians and the next generation at Sail Sydney
Just months after Australia’s success in Marseille at the 2024 Olympic Games, local Olympians and up-and-coming young sailors will return to Sydney Harbour from today for one of Australia’s premier 'off the beach' regattas, Sail Sydney.
Hosted by Woollahra Sailing Club (WSC) and taking place across both WSC and Georges River Sailing Club (GRSC) from Friday 6 to Monday 9 December, the iconic regatta will see Australia’s finest - including Olympic silver medallist Grae Morris - race against the next generation of national talent.
CEO of Australian Sailing, Ben Houston, says he is thrilled to see the integral event attract so many sailors to Rose Bay and Botany Bay.
“Australian Sailing is excited to partner with Woollahra Sailing Club to once again deliver the iconic Sail Sydney event,” said Houston.
“Sail Sydney has grown to become a standout event on the Australian Sailing calendar, and with more than 220 boats - including a healthy number of juniors - set to take part just months after incredible results from our Australian Sailing Team at Paris 2024, there is no doubt the regatta will continue to act as a pathway to international success.”
Woollahra Sailing Club General Manager, Diane Vukelic, says the club is excited to host the large-scale event.
"Sail Sydney is really the pinnacle of our year," said Vukelic.
"It is a huge participation event for us, and the work starts well before the event. This year in particular we've seen a huge growth in our junior numbers, so that's exciting to see.
"It's always exciting when you see someone drive up with a Western Australian number plate, it's a true testament to the reputation of the event and also their commitment to the sport."
As the first major event taking place on Sydney Harbour since the Paris Olympics, and also incorporating the 2024 International 420 Class NSW State Championship and 2024 Kite Foil National Championship, Sail Sydney boasts some big names within its entry list.
Evie Haseldine is one such athlete, with Sail Sydney her first regatta since the Games.
"The Paris Olympics were definitely the highlight of my sailing career so far, it was amazing opportunity to line up against the best 49erFX sailors in the world and there were a lot of learnings to take away for Olivia [Price] and I," said Haseldine.
"Sail Sydney is my first regatta back since Marseille and I'm really looking forward to building on some of those skills with my new partner, Brooke Wilson.
"Sailing on Sydney Harbour is always a pleasure, and having all the different classes on the water is just one reason Sail Sydney is always really special. It's great to see so many young sailors coming through and taking part as well," she said.
Up-and-coming Australian Sailing Team athletes Jack Ferguson and Max Paul will be combining in the 49er class and are looking forward to the event.
"Here in Australia, Sail Sydney is really the start of the LA 2028 cycle, so it's step one on the next four years of our journey," said Paul.
"I think I've done this event over ten times now. When I was a bit younger, this event was one of the peak events of the domestic season for the youth classes, and now in the senior classes, it is still a really great opportunity to come together and race in Australia.
"It's been a major regatta in terms of my development and I'm keen to race this weekend."
Ferguson agreed, stating: "I think my first Sail Sydney was back in 2014 when I was starting out in the Optimist class and I've the years I've sailed many different classes here.
"It's really a chance for everyone to come together and sail on the same piece of water, and I think that's really special," he said.
