Page / Wilmot (AUS) 470's - We are ready
We are now on the eve of the Olympics. Nathan and I are extremely happy with our preparations. We have felt this way for about a month now, and we are ready to compete. 03.jpg)
'Malcolm Page, Nathan Wilmot (AUS) 470 Class'
Jeff Crow/ Sport the Library © Click Here to view large photo
The last 3 regattas we have competed in have been successful. In Europe we won a grade 1 regatta and the European Championship, and then when we moved to China where we won the coaches regatta 3 weeks ago.
There has been 3 key things that has happened this year that has allowed for us to be so well prepared. They were:
1. The new boat 'Australia' we received in Europe 4 months ago. We organised our boat to be flown from Europe to China. This allowed for us to compete in our Olympic equipment longer in Europe and sooner in China. This saved us approx 25 days extra in this boat. We must give a special thanks to NSW Institute of Sport who supported this extra cost and allowed for the quick ride of 'Australia'.
2. Sail Development.We have been working with North Sails Japan for as long as we have been in the 470 class (11 years!). They are an amazing loft that produces exact sails again and again. We were lucky enough to have their support and week of sail development in Sydney back in March. We have produced some new gear that will work better in the light wind of Qingdao. But it has also proven its worth in some windy races as well! Thanks to the whole Norths Japan team.
3. Centreboard development. The Yachting Australia spearheaded centreboard development program early this year. It was a rush to step through all the shape options. Although there was some stressful times with centreboards being carried by many different people in and out of many different countries, I know the board that we have now are by far the best we have ever used, and the best in the world.
We also should not forgot to mention all the support of our loved ones and friends. But also a big thanks to all the government support and private sponsors of the AST. Please see the list below. The Australian Sailing Team would not be where it is today without these great partnerships.
Another integral part of our journey is our coach Victor. He has been with us since day 1, suffering the bad moments and truly enjoying the better moments. He is a mentor and special person to us. So thanks 'V' for everything and happy birthday for today!
Now that we have lost as much weight as humanly possible, and yes we truly look like we have escaped from the 'Bangkok Hilton'! We are ready to give the Olympics our best shot.
We will do our best and fly the flag as high as possible.
Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page are personally sponsored by: www.Kaenon.com
by Malcolm Page 
Port Macquarie, NSW
