Street to sail in China
"We are aiming for top five. If you’re not going there to win it, what’s the point? James Barnett
Trips from New Plymouth to the North Shore and back most weekends to train with 420 helmsman James Barnett have paid off for Sam Street, who is set to compete for New Zealand in the youth sailing world championships.
It’s not an ideal setup, but the pair made it work, winning October’s Yachting New Zealand youth trials to earn a place at the youth worlds in China.
‘‘It’s pretty difficult but we have to do it because we can’t sail during the week so it means we have to commit to each weekend,’’ Barnett said.
The pair first sailed together in a 420 in February when they finished fifth at the Oceanbridge New Zealand Sailing Regatta. They quickly targeted winning the youth trials and achieved it over four days sailing at the Manly Sailing Club.
Barnett and Street are part of a
14-strong youth team who will compete in China from December
9-16.
‘‘We are aiming for top five,’’ Barnett said. ‘‘If you’re not going there to win it, what’s the point? It’s our first youth worlds but we are going to try to achieve a top result.’’
Street added: ‘‘We have been quite lucky because James’ brother [Sam] has been to two [youth worlds]. He’s given us hints of what to expect.’’
New Zealanders have won 51 medals at the youth worlds since the first in 1971 and many, including Chris Dickson, Russell Coutts, Jo Aleh, Blair Tuke, Stu Bannatyne and Tom Ashley, have achieved considerable success in their sailing careers.