Connecting club racing to Olympic plan

In an era of sport specialization, Sailing is unique. Each boat type presents unique challenges to overcome, and teaches lessons that can be applied to all boats. For the Olympic athlete, ‘cross-training’ also provides a healthy diversion, and introduces them to a new community of sailors.

The Australian Sailing Team recognizes these benefits, and as the warmer months approach the homeland, their domestic schedule will include a new relationship with one of Australia’s most vibrant and competitive club racing environments for skiffs – the Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club (Manly 16s).

Located just across the harbor from the AST’s National Training Center at Middle Harbour Yacht Club outside of Sydney, AST athletes will compete regularly within the 16ft Skiff fleet.

To ensure maximum participation alongside their demanding Olympic campaigns, the AST’s 16ft Skiff will be crewed by a rotating lineup of team members across the season. This approach allows a valuable opportunity to sail with a wide range of athletes from different crews and classes while also giving Club members the opportunity to connect with AST athletes.

“The Manly 16s offer incredible racing, and the opportunity for our top-level athletes and performance pathway athletes to be a part of that environment is invaluable,” noted Australian Sailing High Performance Director, Iain Brambell. “It’s not only about improving performance on the water, but also about connecting with the club members and sailing communities who form the backbone of our sport.”

Manly 16s Sailing Manager Graham Biehl, a past USA Olympic athlete, said the Club is looking forward to the team’s involvement. “We have the most competitive skiff racing in Australia with over 20 boats racing every Saturday, and we look forward to racing against the AST sailors.

“To help AST sailors get on the water, Manly 16s provided an advance on ‘prize money’ which allowed the AST to purchase a suitable 16ft Skiff for racing. The advance is repayable by sailing at Manly and earning prize money, which is something we offer to anyone looking to join 16ft Skiff racing.”

This collaboration also carries a strong sense of legacy. Australian Sailing CEO and Olympic gold medalist Malcolm Page grew up as an active member of the Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club, racing on weekends and even serving as Commodore from 2021 to 2023.

His journey from junior sailor at Manly to the top of the Olympic podium and later returning to the 16ft Skiff fleet demonstrates the Club’s ability to foster talent and sustain lifelong involvement in the sport.

This new relationship strengthens racing for everyone on the water and underscores the vital role of clubs in shaping the future of Australian sailing, reinforcing the critical link between community sailing and elite performance.

Source: AST

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sailing Program:
First Week – July 16-20
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA

Second Week – July 23-28
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7 – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6 – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470 – Los Angeles, CA
Men’s Skiff – 49er – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17 – Los Angeles, CA