Bryant to join Wilmot for San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta
by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 30 Jul 08:10 BST
3–7 August 2026
Annie Wilmot and Tash Bryant in 2019 © Beau Outteridge
With the San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta set to take place next week in Los Angeles, the 49erFX pairing of Laura Harding and Annie Wilmot will not take to the start line together after Harding sustained an injury during the 49erFX World Championships earlier this year.
While Harding continues to make strong progress in her recovery, the pair were determined not to miss the chance to gain experience on the LA 2028 Olympic racecourse. To ensure that learning continues, Wilmot will team up with former 49erFX teammate Tash Bryant, who has stepped in for the regatta while Harding focuses on returning to full fitness.
Bryant and Wilmot campaigned together in the 49erFX during the Tokyo Olympic cycle, making the temporary replacement a natural fit. Now a strategist with the Bonds Flying Roos at SailGP and a member of Team Australia's America's Cup program, Bryant will spend two weeks back in the skiff, helping Wilmot maximise their time on the future Olympic waters.
"We didn't want to miss the chance to learn as much as we could about the LA racecourse," said Wilmot. "Tash was kind enough to jump in and help us out and with our history racing together, it hasn't taken long to get back into a rhythm."
"Everything we learn over the next two weeks will be shared with Laura. She'll be part of our daily debriefs while she continues her recovery, so she'll be involved every step of the way. Hopefully it gives us a head start when we're back racing together."
National 49erFX Coach Jim Colley said the regatta presented a unique opportunity for the campaign, with experience at the Olympic venue invaluable so close to the Games.
"This regatta is a rare opportunity to spend time on the Olympic racecourse, so having someone with Tash's experience step in means Annie can continue building that knowledge while Laura focuses on getting back to 100 per cent.
"Tash will also bring a wealth of professional experience from the SailGP and America's Cup to our training environment, which is a fantastic opportunity for us to learn and improve our operations as a squad. It also allows Laura to learn with us whilst continually working hard on a very intense rehab program, and we're looking forward to having her back in the boat soon."
The San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta will take place from 3-7 August for the 49erFX, 49er and Nacra 17 fleets.