Racing for an Audi

Local sailors lined up with Aerial Skiing Gold medallist Alisa Camplin prior to Melbourne's Audi King of Docklands

Winter Olympics met summer Olympics when Alisa Camplin and Glenn Ashby tried their luck at Melbourne’s Docklands in a practice session for the newly badged Audi King of Docklands which kicks off tonight from 6.00-9.00pm off Waterfront City.

Camplin, a self-confessed tomboy who won Aerial Skiing gold in Salt Lake City in 2008 and bronze at Torino in 2006, got all the sailing tips she needed from Glenn Ashby, Beijing Olympic Tornado silver medallist and Grant Wharington, the 2003 Sydney Hobart line honours winner and the only Australian entry ever entered into the tough Volvo Ocean Race. All three are Victorians.

Sailing in big gusty conditions off Waterfront City early last evening, Camplin enthused: “That was awesome. The SB3 is a lot of fun.”

Looking a natural at the helm, the 34 year-old sports junkie added: “The boys were good teachers – they made it easy for me –they’re good teachers and the boat was very reactive. I’ve never sailed a monohull before, but I have sailed Hobie Cats.”

Asked to comment on Camplin’s sailing ability, Ashby, from Bendigo said: “She was great -– you can tell she’s spent time on boats. It was a real privilege to sail with someone who’s achieved as much as she has.”

‘It was tough out there, Alisa did a good job; she’s got a natural ability,” Wharington commented.

“Our day out was great practice for the week ahead,” said Wharington, referring to the Audi Series which starts out of the Docklands on Friday, which Ashby will join him for on the super maxi Skandia.

There is a lot at stake in the winner-takes-all Audi King of Docklands; a brand new Audi A4 sedan and an International SB3 yacht, valued at more than $100,000.

Audi is the largest sponsor of competitive sailing in Australia, and this brand new competition is an exciting start to Audi’s 2009 Sailing Sport calendar.

A big crowd is expected at Waterfront City tonight and for the final on Thursday evening to view the event and we encourage all to come and find a favourite crew and cheer them on.