Kristen sets sail for shot at title

NORTH Queensland’s teenage sailing champion Kristen Wadley will swap the landlocked waters of Lake Tinaroo for Moreton Bay when she contests the 2018 Oceania and Australian Laser Championships from December 27-January 4.

Not that the nuances of racing conditions faze Kristen (pictured) – she won five Girls’ World Championships in the Open BIC class before graduating to sailing Lasers a year ago. The 16-year old, who has just completed Year 11 at Atherton High School and is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Australian sailing, has competed at elite level in almost a dozen countries.

“I’m looking forward to the nationals off Manly,’’ she said.

“I seem to be constantly in Brisbane for coaching with the Queensland squad.

“It is like my second home and local knowledge is always an advantage. All the state coaches are there and one of my favourite things about sailing is that you learn so much.’’

Last weekend Kristen was on Port Phillip Bay at the prestigious Sail Melbourne International regatta where she finished third overall and was the top female over three races contested in wild conditions.

“It a crazy schedule,’’ she said. ‘‘I’m flying somewhere every week in December for sailing.

“When you are based up here in North Queensland it can be a bit of a battle getting to regattas.’’

Lake Tinaroo, located 15km from Atherton and three-quarters the size of Sydney Harbour, has a vibrant sailing club which is a family affair for the Wadleys. Parents Roger and Annette and children Kristen, Travis, 12, and Breanne, 11, are all involved.