Anthony Nossiter Looks for Number 8 in 2009

11:21 PM Thu 1 Jan 2009 GMT

'Anthony Nossiter' AST/ Andrea Francolini &copy

Having just stepped off Black Jack after another successful Sydney Hobart race, three times Australian Olympic representative, America's Cup sailor and Volvo Ocean Racer, Anthony Nossiter will be searching for an unprecedented eighth national title at the International Finn Class 2009 Musto Australian Championships commencing in Adelaide on 5 January.

Standing in the way of dual Olympian Nossiter will be aspiring young Olympic representatives James Paterson from South Australia and Victorian Warrick Hill.

Recently becoming members of the Australian Sailing Development Squad, the stepping stone for inclusion into the Australian Sailing Team, Paterson and Hill showed their potential in December 2008 by claiming resounding victories at SIRS and Sail Melbourne respectively.

Each will be hungry to take on the might of Nossiter under the watchful eye of Olympic coach Mike Fletcher. Also throwing his hat into the ring will be 1994 Laser World Champion, Nick Burfoot. Burfoot, who has teamed with fellow Sydney sailor Mark Johnson and champion US helmsman Jud Nelson, will undoubtedly be using the Finn Nationals to familiarise himself with the waters off North Haven where the Etchells Nationals are also being held later in January. Having had a strong result at last years nationals and following recent US successes, Burfoot could give the top contenders a run for their money.

The recent resurgence in the Finn Class across Australia will see a strong showing from SA, Victoria and NSW, with between 15 and 20 boats expected to compete at the Adelaide event.