Three wins in a row for King Nathan
01 Feb 2011
Last year Nathan Outteridge came to Docklands and drove away in an Audi A4.
This year, he has upgraded to 12-months behind the wheel of an A1 after again beating all comers in the annual King of the Docklands yachting event.
The 24-year-old from Lake Macquarie in NSW had the rest of the SB3 sailors scratching their heads as he won his third consecutive title on January 21.
Outteridge combined well with new crew, Ian Brown, Olympic 470 bronze medallist and the boat’s owner, and foredeck hand David Cheyne, the Irish SB3 class president who promised Outteridge a boat for the class’ next world championship in return for a ride in the Audi King of the Docklands.
An exhausted Cheyne literally fell out of the boat onto the dock this afternoon announcing breathlessly: “I’m taking up rugby, it’s easier”.
Outteridge’s mum Jasmine and dad Tony drove down from Wangi Wangi on the shores of Lake Macquarie to watch their son win his third consecutive title.
“Nathan works very hard at it,” Jasmine said. “He’s so dedicated, if he spends three days off the water he gets itchy. We are very proud of him.”
Outteridge is aiming for the next SB3 world title, amongst other classes, but the big fish he’s really looking to land is another chance to represent Australia in the 49er class at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Second place in the Audi King of the Docklands went to three-time European SB3 Champion Glenn Bourke who was hit by a gust in the middle of a late kite drop and clipped the turning mark, resulting in a re-round followed by a penalty turn. Bourke lost valuable seconds and possibly cost himself a shot at being crowned King for 2011.
Third on the pointscore was Geelong sailor Brendan Garner.
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