Haylee Outteridge and Nathan Outteridge. Video by Beau Outteridge

Nathan Outteridge believes that the more knowledge is shared around the Australian Nacra 17 squad, the more chance there is of a strong result at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Olympic gold and silver medallist in the 49er has returned to Olympic class sailing and will compete at the World Championships alongside his new crew, his sister Haylee Outteridge, a former highly-ranked 49erFX sailor.

“I think the big attraction to the Nacra is the foiling nature of the boat,” Nathan said.

“I’ve sailed a 49er for about 12 years … and when the Olympics finished in Rio I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be back in Olympic classes again. When the Nacra changed to go foiling, it became quite appealing. And once the America’s Cup finished last year, I started to think about it a little bit more in my mind.”

Joining forces with Rio silver medallists, cousins Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin, strengthens the Nacra team. PHOTO Beau Outteridge

Haylee said that being related had helped the pair adjust to the new craft.

“I think the fact we’re related and know each other so well has kind of sped up the process of learning,” she said.

“We don’t have to worry too much about the ins and outs of getting used to a new partner … it just seems to work pretty easily.”

World Championships EVENT SITE

Follow the Australian Sailing Team

Web: www.australiansailingteam.com.au

Instagram: @aussailingteam

Facebook: @aussailingteam

Twitter: @aussailingteam

YouTube: AusSailingTeam

Follow Australian Sailing

Web: www.sailing.org.au

Instagram: @austsail

Facebook: @austsail

Twitter: @austsail