Mt Aspiring College pupil Laura Erichsen (16) is one of five young sailors from New Zealand who will race in the Open Bic World Championships in July at Lake Garda in Italy against about 200 of the world’s best youth sailors. Laura was the last of the New Zealand sailors to be selected for the championships after yachting legend Sir Russell Coutts saw her racing in a regatta in Wellington.
"It was the last regatta of the series and I came third out of about 50 boats and he was pretty impressed by that," Laura said.
Since being selected, there had been fortnightly Skype calls with Sir Russell and he had also been analysing video of her performance.
"It’s pretty awesome to have someone like Russell helping me out."
"The ultimate goal is to go to the Olympics and go around the world, training and coaching being a full-time sailor."
Laura said the support from those around her, including her coach, former America’s Cup sailor Barry McKay, her parents and the five Wanaka businesses sponsoring her, had made concentrating on sailing much easier.
"Having Barry coaching just means I’ve been able to improve so much and obviously I couldn’t do this if I didn’t have the support of my parents and sponsors."
Laura will leave Wanaka next week and, in between now and the Bic event, has training sessions in Auckland and San Francisco. She has also been able to find time to fit in a two-week dance tour in Los Angeles.
"I think the dancing helps me with my balance on the boat, so it’s good training for the worlds."
The Open Bic World Championships start on July 31.
You can follow Laura’s progress on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lauraerichsensailing.
