29er Worlds preview

From blazingly hot Sydney Lynsey Thomas reviews the British contingent taking part

With the 29er Worlds starting on 29 December off Sydney's Darling Harbour, Team GBR's eight boat have been hard at work practising. They were even out today - Christmas eve!

Paul Brotherton, team coach, is pleased with their progress and confident of their abilities down under in this amazing setting. "Each boat is a relatively new pairing. Apart from Nick Murphy and Alex Hopson none of the other teams have been sailing together for more than nine months and many a lot less. They all however have good technical skills and are sailing really well despite the different conditions and new environment. I hope that the skills they have developed over the past week will stand them in good stead for the championships."

Ed Clayson and Adam Clark have been sailing together for just over three months, but despite their new pairing, Clayson's hopes are high. "We're hoping to finish in the top ten - well that 's what we tell everyone - really we'd like to win!"

Sailing on Sydney Harbour is something that none of the helm or crews have ever experienced. The sailing here is really tricky - very shifty, with lots of chop and loads of traffic. The crews have in many respects been thrown in at the deep end with regards to the traffic on the harbour. Not only are there the usual ferries and water taxis to contend with, but it's also the Christmas holidays, perfect summer weather, with the start of the Sydney-Hobart race on Boxing Day and to top it all the 18ft Skiff Worlds start on January 4 and they are all out in force. On the water in Sydney Harbour - it's bedlam.

continued on pages 2 and 3...