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11:57 PM Tue 17 Feb 2009 GMT
Noosa River Laser skippers Ryan Palk and Klade Hauschildt have continued to record impressive results in the physically demanding International one-design dinghy.
They compete in what is regarded among the most demanding racing on the International circuit sailing alone hanging by their toes from the hiking straps and race with the understanding there is no one to blame but themselves when technical or tactical errors occur.
Racing in this class is very tough on the physique and the temperament with even the slightest error proving the difference between winning a medal and finishing back in the pack where the bulk of the fleet race with equal tenacity sharing almost the same sea room in a tactical 'bull ring' where no favours are requested or granted.
Both super fit young aquatic athletes who train endlessly on the Noosa River when time permits have won age group National Gold Medals in the Radial and 4.7 Laser classes on Moreton Bay and have represented Australia at World championships in Europe and America.
However their ultimate aim is to contest the intensely competitive selection trials for 2012 Olympic Games in London but unfortunately only one of the two exceptionally talented young skippers will have the chance be selected as each nation is only allocated one Laser class entrant.
Meanwhile they will remain focused on gaining valuable experience with club and state championship racing with Ryan Palk holding the 'pecking order' after he equalled the performance of former Australian champion Peter Conde when the 18 year old won the open Queensland Laser championship at the same age.
Palk carried this form into the 2009 Open Australian championship contested in Fremantle last month finishing 10th overall against an International standard fleet while his good mate and training partner Klade Hauschildt won the Laser Radial class bronze medal.
The Laser racing 'Twins' have remained loyal to the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club where they will head up a special sail training clinic for the present generation Sabot sailors.
Their dedication reflects back to the time when they first experienced Sabot training on the tricky Noosa River.
This will be part of a very busy schedule for Ryan Palk who has teamed up with Noosa club mates Kai Timm and Chris Annear in the Oceanburo SB3 Dart to contest the 2009 World championship in Portugal during September.
They have plans to contest next month's Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta and will continue refining their technique with one-on-one match racing against their Mooloolaba Dinghy Club rivals Rod Jones, Sean O'Rourke and Greg McAllansmith off Mooloolaba.
Yachting Australia high performance coach Adrian Finglas has been nominated to race with the Mooloolaba team which promises to give them a slight edge but the one-design tactical racing skills of Ryan Palk and Team Noosa should not be overlooked.
Interest will also focus on the Audi Centre sponsored Sunshine Coast all female racing squad of Lauren Calder, Elke Hacker, Lou Watson, Emma O'Rourke and Morgann Stanton who are planning to also fly their 'Battle Flag' in Portugal.
by Ian Grant
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Wilsons Promontory, VIC
