Two-time Olympian Krystal Weir, front, was among participants at Lake Eppalock for the women’s catamaran clinic at the weekend.
WITH the catamaran class a new inclusion at the next Olympics, two-time Olympian Krystal Weir flew from Sydney to Bendigo at the weekend to participate in a three-day women’s catamaran clinic at Lake Eppalock, the first of its type in Australia.
Bendigo Yacht Club’s Anita Hunter said the 16 women who took part in the clinic were all aiming to extend their knowledge of sailing catamarans under the coaching of Greg Goodall and Gordon Hyde.
Ms Weir, a top-ranked Laser sailor, also spoke on Saturday night of her experiences sailing at competitions around the world.
Ms Hunter said the group consisted of people from a novice up to an Olympic level.
“A lot of people want to improve their skills,” she said. “We also have people who have crewed and want to skipper.
“It’s been a great weekend. We’ve had light conditions, but there’s nothing you can do about that.”
Ms Weir said she was still learning how to sail catamarans.
“The Laser is totally different,” she said.
“You’re sailing with another person, plus it goes much faster. I’m still learning how to deal with the speed.”
Ms Weir said she would consider a switch to catamarans before the 2016 Olympics.
“They’ve just put it into the Olympics so it’s a very exciting time for this class,” she said. “It’s definitely an option.”
