Townsville turbocharges Australia's Foiling Future
by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 21 Aug 07:57 BST
Australian iQFOiLers © Beau Outteridge
The Australian Sailing Team's iQFOiL squad has wrapped up an intensive training camp in Townsville, harnessing the region's world-class sailing conditions and setting their sights firmly on the future, including Brisbane 2032.
Led by Australian Sailing Team iQFOiL Head Coach, Arthur Brett, the squad includes Olympic silver medallist, Grae Morris, recently crowned World Under 19 Champion, Rory Meehan, and developing sailors from across the Australian Sailing Performance Pathway.
"The training in Townsville for the iQFOiL men's squad of seven sailors has been going extremely well," said Brett.
"There are a few reasons for why we have chosen to be in Townsville at this time of year. Firstly, we are here to tuck away some quality preparation as we look to round off our European season at the Under 23 World Championships in Portugal in September. It sounds simple, but our priority for this is to have enough wind for foiling. North Queensland venues in winter are most likely to service this need, and Townsville has fitted the bill beautifully."
The camp also serves a longer-term purpose. "We thought it would be wise to do some reconnaissance work here as Townsville has been announced as one of the targeted venue options to host the sailing competition at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics" Brett explained. "Our senior men's squad is made up of iQFOiLers from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, with a young squad in Western Australia building towards more involvement next year."
The squad has been growing together since the Covid years of 2020 and 2021, steadily building their depth and consistency with Morris and Meehan now primed for Portugal. Their experience is rubbing off on the younger sailors in the squad, and in exposing young athletes to elite-level training environments and international-standard race venues, the team is laying the foundation for sustained success across multiple Olympic cycles.
As the sun sets over Mount Stuart, Brett reflects on their time in Townsville and what lies ahead.
"We have loved our time in Townsville in the warmth and wind. Our visit has been made so much easier with the professional and welcoming management of Townsville Sailing Club and Breakwater Marina. This is a sailing venue I can recommend for more to explore."
With Townsville providing the runway, the road to Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 is already well under way.