Metung sailor selected for Beijing Olympics

HILL TO SET SAIL FOR BEIJING

The chance to wear the green and gold on his sport’s biggest stage now beckons for Victorian athlete Aaron Hill, after the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) today announced the sailing team to take on the world at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

Hill was one of six sailors named in the Australian team, and will hold the nation’s hopes in the 2.4mR class, when he sails for gold at the Paralympic Games venue in Qingdao in September.

Having had his leg amputated above the knee in an attempt to save his life from cancer, Hill first represented Australia in 2003 and said the prospect of representing his country at a Paralympic Games is overwhelming.

“It’s something I have been working towards for a few years now so it’s great to know that all my hard work to earn selection has been rewarded,” Hill said.

“To know now that I’m going to be competing at a Paralympic Games, is really exciting.”

Hill, from the Victorian town of Metung, joins Brisbane pair Daniel Fitzgibbon and Rachael Cox (Skud 18 class) and Perth crew Colin Harrison, Graeme Martin and Russell Boaden (Sonar class) in the six-strong Australian Team - a team Australian Paralympic Sailing head coach Greg Omay believes can cause some real surprises.

And having recently returned from the Paralympic venue, Hill admits he and his Australian team-mates are already feeling the buzz that comes with competing on the ultimate stage.

Hampered by a stomach illness, Hill finished out of the placings in his class at the Paralympic warm-up event last month in Qingdao, situated south-east of Beijing.

“Qingdao is probably the best sailing venue I have ever seen, and the Paralympic warm-up event gave me a good idea of what I’m up against,” Hill said.

“My performance over there wasn’t fantastic, I was pretty sick and spent a fair bit of time in bed, but I’m feeling much better now and looking forward to getting back over there.”

APC CEO Darren Peters is confident Hill and the rest of the Australian team will excel at the Games, as they attempt to add to just the one Paralympic gold won by Australia in the sport, at the Sydney 2000 Games.

“The 2008 Australian Paralympic Team will be the largest team we have ever sent overseas,” Mr Peters said.

“And although we know the competition will be tougher than ever before, I’m sure every one of our athletes will do their country proud.”

Australian Paralympic Sailing Team coach Greg Omay shares Mr Peters’ confidence.

MYC Cadets at 2008 Geelong Nationals

 METUNG YACHT CLUB JUNIOR SAILING AT THE NATIONALS

The Metung Yacht Club were pleased to have four of their junior boats represent the club at the recent International Cadet Australian Titles in Geelong.  The National Championships were sailed over ten days in December and January on Corio Bay.  The eight Metung junior sailors competed in a field of 92 yachts from Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales as well as other Victorian clubs. 

Overall results for the Regatta for Metung juniors were as follows:  John Warren and Tim Daniel in Li’l Bandit finished 11th, Harry Fullard and Henry Hall sailing Brothers in Arms finished 12th, Patrick Walker and Will Anderson in Moonboots finished 38^th and Annella Fullard and Daisy Grumley in Quantum Leap finished 47th.  These were all excellent results in such a large competitive regatta.

John, Tim, Patrick and Will were excited to be presented with medals at presentation for placings on handicap for individual races during the Regatta.

John Warren and Tim Daniel sailing Li’l Bandit had previously qualified to compete as members of the Victorian Tillet State team.  As such they were not only representing the Metung Yacht Club but were also competing as part of the State of Victoria team.  This followed their excellent result of a second place in the State Titles last March.

John and Tim finished eleventh overall which qualified them as second reserve to represent Australia at the World Titles in Holland later this year.  Subsequently, they received an invitation to compete as part of the Australian team however due to other commitments they are unable to attend. Harry and Henry who were named as third reserve have elected to take up the opportunity to compete at the next World Titles. We wish them good luck in this challenging endevour. Well done to the Fullard family for making the financial commitment.

Overall the Metung Junior sailing families were very pleased with these results.  Patrick, Will, Henry and Daisy were competing for the first time at a National Level and this experience should give them confidence to compete in future Regattas.

Metung Junior sailing ends their season with the traditional Metung/Sandringham yacht club Easter Regatta.  This will be the 47^th Easter Regatta at Metung with the Sandringham Yacht Club Juniors and everyone looks forward to this end of season event.

PHOTO – Metung Yacht Club Junior sailors at the National Championships in Geelong.

Pictured left to right – back row, Patrick Walker, Harrison Fullard, John Warren, Annella Fullard, front row, Will Anderson, Henry Hall, Bradley Daniel (reserve crew), Tim Daniel. Absent Daisy Grumley.

Huge crowd celebrates the Cats record grand Final win at MYC