Video by Beau Outteridge/Australian Sailing

They arrived last year with big reputations and have taken on important tasks. And, so far, Spaniards Rafa Trujillo and Javi Torres are relishing coaching Australia’s top Finn and 49erFX sailors, respectively.

“Coaches the Aussies is a great experience,” says Trujillo, who won a silver medal at the Athens Olympics.

“I was coaching in a lot of different countries, but normally one-to-one. Now I’m coaching five or six Aussies, it’s a little bit difficult for me. But we’re having a great experience, having a great time.

Lewis Brake is one of Rafa's up-and-comers. PHOTO Beau Outteridge

“We have a great group because we have athletes and sailors who are really good in different aspects of sailing. … More importantly, we are creating a team environment and we’re pushing each other.”

Torres said his experience coaching the Brazilian FX team to a gold medal in Rio had given him confidence.

Natasha Bryant and Annie Wilmot are among the FX sailors working with Javier Torres. PHOTO Tomas Moya

“We still know there’s a lot of work to do back home. We’ve only worked together for seven months now. But hopefully they’ve stepped forward a little bit and can make the big goal of getting the spot for the Games,” he said.

“It’s definitely very different [coaching in Australia]. I’ve been working with Brazil, Spain and now Australia. I think everything has good and bad things. Definitely Australia has very good things. The people are very knowledgeable and disciplined and they know what they want.”

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