YSA Alumni Olivia Price and Evie Haseldine in the 49erFX class and Honorary Member Matt Wearn in the ILCA7 class raced this past week at the 55th French Olympic Week in Hyeres, France.
The week dealt out challenging conditions, with several days of postponement and cancellations, as the Australian Sailing Team prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics less than 90 days away.
Matt Wearn faced frustration with cancelled racing and only a point between himself and first place. After securing silver, Wearn was preparing for a who-beats-who battle for Gold in today’s double point race that was ultimately cancelled in the ILCA7 class.
The Olympic Champion commented, “It’s doubly frustrating, as yesterday we didn’t get a third race in for whatever reason, so that meant I couldn’t exercise gains with my drop. Then today it’s perfect conditions and we’re not out racing, but that’s the decision we’ve got to deal with.”
Wearn continued, “From here on we’re based in Marseille. I’ve got a few coaches regattas to do along the way, which will be good. Just ticking those final boxes before we get into the Games.”
Meanwhile, the skiff classes battled the challenging conditions, with the FX sailing predominately in the moderate unstable breeze in the morning, whilst the 49er men faced strong and shifty afternoon winds. All Australians put some solid results on the board as they progress towards Paris 2024 and beyond. Price/Haseldine finished the regatta in 7th place.
Whilst many sailors are heading to the Olympic waters for training, there is still plenty of racing to come in May for the athletes to fine tune their skills ahead of the Olympic regatta which will take place July 28th to August 10th in Marseille.
Full results can be found here.
Lisa Darmanin | Australian Sailing Team
