Australian sailors set to go for gold
by Jessica Statham on 17 Oct 2000
Noel Robbins, Sonar skipper in Paralympics Rachel Nahum
The five Australian Paralympian sailing competitors all have top class sailing records. They are hot favourite medal winners.
The Sonar crew and skipper have been placed first in the World in the 2000 Sonar Disabled midwinter Regatta in St Petersburg. Noel Robbins the skipper is a life long champion sailor. He was the 1977 'Australian" skipper in the Americans Cup Challenge, not only that Noel was the skipper on 'Hitchhiker' in two Admiral's Cup Competitions. He also won the World 'two ton' championship, four National titles and the winner of 13 state titles. Before Noel started to sail in the Sonar class he was a Soling National champion.
Thanks to sponsorship the Sonar team have two of the best boats in the world, one in Sydney and the other in Perth. "The lotteries commission have been very supportive, they bought the first boat for disabled sports" said Noel.
Peter Thompson who is the 2.4mR competitor holds an outstanding record, first in this years World championship and two seconds in the previous World championships. Micheal McLean who is another 2.4mR competitor holds second position in the 2000 Disabled World championship. Its going to be a very competitive regatta.
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