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Taking the Girl’s 420 spot on the NZL Sailing Team are Napier sailors 17 year old Olivia Mackay (helm) and 15 year old Abi Goodwin (crew).
Placing second overall in the 420 at 2013 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland, and top girls, Olivia and Abi were in good shape for the selection in February, but left everyone in no doubt when they beat the boys and took the Open 420 National Championship for 2013 at the regatta sailed in gorgeous conditions off Takapuna at Easter.
It was the first time a female crew has won the 420 National title and Olivia and Abi showed strong character to hold their lead in the light shifty offshore conditions on day four securing the title by one point ahead of Taylor Burn and Henry Gibbs from Marlborough.
“These girls trained hard right throughout winter,” says Ian Neely, Talent Development Manager at Yachting New Zealand. “They’ve been totally dedicated and really deserve this selection.”
The girl’s, both from Napier Sailing Club, crossed the ditch in January to sail the Australian Youth 420 National Championships.
Here’s what Abi and Olivia had to say when we asked them some questions…
Abi Goodwin
Yacht Club: Napier Sailing Club
Date of birth: 24/11/97
Q: List your top three sailing accomplishments?
- 1st 420 Nationals at Easter
- 2nd Oceanbridge Sail Auckland 420 Fleet
- 3rd 420 North Islands
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: Through my family
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Hot chocolate and tasty pasta
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Napier
Q: Who are your role models?
A: My brother
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
A: It’s fun and sailing with someone else
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the upcoming year?
A: A medal at the ISAF Sailing Youth World Championships
Q: How will you prepare for the Youth Worlds?
A: Carry on our regular training, attend YNZ clinics, keep going to cross fit and play netball
Q: Which regattas will you be attending in the lead-up?
A: The NZ 420 Challenge
Olivia Mackay
Yacht Club: Napier Sailing Club
Date of birth: 01/03/1996
Q: List your top three sailing accomplishments?
- 1st 420 Nationals
- Optimist Worlds Team 2010
- 3rd Bermuda Junior Gold Cup
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: My older brother
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Thai food
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Bermuda
Q: Who are your role models?
A: Jo Aleh, Alex Maloney, Gen Saunders
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
A: Opportunity to go overseas and compete
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the upcoming year?
A: Medal at both ISAF Youth Worlds and 420 Open Worlds
Q: How will you prepare for the Youth Worlds?
A: Get on the water as much as possible, exercise and try to keep a healthy diet
Banner image by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com
