Siblings starting over for Tokyo 2020

When Australians Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen joined up with Artemis Racing as the challenge formed for the 2013 America’s Cup, they made a quick impression and soon became the foundation of the team. They had just parlayed their World Titles in the 49er class into a Gold Medal at the London 2012 Olympics, and now were going next level. The climb was complete.

When Artemis was reorganized for the 2017 America’s Cup, the duo remained critical members with Nathan as skipper and helm and Iain as wing trimmer. Not unlike kiwis Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, who rode their 49er fame to a Gold Medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and an America’s Cup win, where one goes the other is near.

Nathan and Haylee

So when it was announced that only Iain had joined the British challenge for the America’s Cup, an APB was put out on the whereabouts of Nathan. With no mention of Artemis continuing to chase the Cup, its former skipper had chosen to team up with sister Haylee and see if they have what it takes to compete again in the Olympics.

Their choice of weapon is the Nacra 17 for the mixed multihull event at Tokyo 2020.

“When the Nacra 17 class decided to go full foiling it became a very attractive class to be involved in for many people,” he said. “I have a lot of experience in foiling boats, ranging from the Moth to the AC50s that we raced in Bermuda last year, so I hope I can use that experience to help strengthen the Australian Nacra 17 squad.”

The two-time Olympic medallist, accruing silver behind the kiwi duo in Rio, is looking forward to joining forces with his sister Haylee, who in 2012 reached a ranking of No.5 in the world in the 49erFX class.

“We’re both determined individuals and I’ve enjoyed the learning curve that we’ve been on since starting our training at the beginning of this year,” noted Nathan. “We’re in Europe for the summer, competing in Kiel Week, the European Championships and the Aarhus World Championships. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Haylee Outteridge said she and Nathan had been trying to make the most of every training session. “Nathan and I haven’t competed together since we were 5 and 10 years old, so to be sailing in an Olympic class together is really special.”

Team Outteridge will get a good measure from Australian Sailing Team pair Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin who won the Nacra 17 silver medal at Rio 2016. “I’ve been around the Australian Sailing Team for a long time and want to support our athletes wherever possible to ensure success, particularly in the lead up to 2020,” said Nathan.

Source: Australian Sailing, Scuttlebutt