TWINS TAKE ON WORLD

Brianna and Courtney Reynolds-smith, twins from Murrays Bay Yacht Club, are about to embark on their biggest challenge yet: August will see them head to Japan for the 470 Youth World Championships.

Racing in the 470 class, the Year 13 Westlake Girls students are building on the experience they gained racing in the youth 420 class.

Last year they travelled to France for the French 420 National Champs, then on to Italy for the 420 World Champs, gaining much-needed experience in larger fleet racing. This experience led to their nomination at the NZL trials event for the 420 class to race at the Aon World Sailing Champs, held at Torbay in December last year. The girls did remarkably well at this pinnacle event, placing 8th.

Guided by Yachting NZ and the All Blacks high performance fitness coach, a rigorous training regime mixing strength and endurance has been set for them. Early morning training is followed by as many hours on the water as is manageable for the busy sisters, who are both high achievers studying for NCEA level 3.