Element 6 Evolution becomes exclusive ILCA supplier to the AST
by Australian Sailing 30 Sep 2022 05:12 BST
Matt Wearn © Sailing Energy
Australia's ILCA squads are the envy of the world, with three consecutive Olympic Gold, ten World Championships and countless podium finishes at the biggest international regattas around the world over the past fifteen years.
The team have now announced a landmark agreement, with ILCA builder Element 6 Evolution to become the exclusive supplier of ILCA equipment to the team.
The four-year deal will see the Australian Sailing Team and Australian Sailing Squad athletes racing in Element 6 Evolution equipment until at least the Paris 2024 Olympics.
"We are really excited to partner with Element 6 Evolution," said Australian Sailing Technical Director Michael Blackburn.
"Element 6 are an ILCA producer of the highest quality, and they are setting standards that align closely to ours at the Australian Sailing Team."
The partnership will also see Element 6 providing discounted ILCA equipment for Australian Sailing Futures Program athletes, ensuring consistency for Australia's emerging ILCA sailors as they rise through the performance pathway.
John Highham, Director of Element 6 Evolution, was clear when asked about why it was the Australian team they wanted to work with.
"There is proven history of success that the AST has had in the ILCA class," said Higham. "We look forward to this partnership and working with the team to deliver a product that allows them to perform to their best ability."
Sailing equipment suppliers Ziegelmayer Handelsgesellschaft mbH and Negrinautica will also be supporting the AST through the partnership, as they will provide valuable logistics and storage support for the team when they are competing in Europe.
Blackburn knows the equipment well having coached the past three ILCA 7 Olympic gold medallists, and he is excited about what the future holds with Element 6 Evolution.
"The athletes have been sailing in the boats for the past year, and they are really enjoying the consistency and quality of the builds," he concluded.
"That commitment to excellence is so important to us and is why are looking forward to sharing the journey to Paris with Element 6 Evolution."
Visit www.facebook.com/element6evolution for more information about Element 6 Evolution.