By MICHELLE HERBISON
EUROPE’S North Sea might present different conditions to Corio Bay when a group of young Geelong sailors compete in a Cadet International World Championships in July.
Eight Royal Geelong Yacht Club cadets aged 10 to 16 years will travel to Nieuwpoort, Belgium to compete.
Jane Robinson said her son, Liam, 16, and crew Nathan Field, 11, qualified after placing second in January’s national competition at Hobart.
“It will be fantastic if we can achieve something spectacular,” Ms Robinson said.
“The conditions are quite different and we’re competing against many more countries so scores are beside the point when you’ve got the wonderful experience of being able to go to Europe.”
Emily Goodfellow, 16, and Emma Kelly, 10, placed fifth at nationals to qualify, while Darcy Baranowski, 16, with Dominic Randall, 13, placed eighth.
Sibling team Thomas and Sophie Alexander, 14 and 12 years, will compete in a “promotionals” leg of the competition and act as a reserve team.
Their mother Amanda Field said the Geelong sailors owed their success to a new trainer, local sail-maker Tony Bull.
“He’s done an amazing job and the kids love him,” she said.
Ms Robinson said the sailors faced an “intense” six days of competition including 12 heats.
“They should be completing three races a day, which go for about an hour to an hour and a half.”
The group sent their eight chartered boats to Germany last week.
A trivia and auction night on 31 May would raise funds for the young sailors’ trip. Bookings are available by phoning 5229 3705.
