Nathan is the King of Docklands

Young Australian Sailing Team sailor Nathan Outteridge came ashore at Waterfront City, on January 22 with an ear splitting smile – and why not, he had just won the Audi King of the Docklands and in doing so, will drive home to the NSW Central Coast in a brand new Audi A4 Avant, courtesy of Audi.  

Outteridge and his crew of gun Moth sailors Scott Babbage and John Harris, who is also an 18ft skiff world champion, helped the 2008 and 2009 49er world champion who finished second at the Worlds in the Bahamas earlier last month.

“I couldn’t have done it without John and Scott – I couldn’t have picked two better guys – guys who are friends. I’ll be shouting them to dinner tonight,” said Outteridge.  “It’s awesome the support that Audi gives to sailing.”

“Congratulations to a great crew, you raced in difficult conditions. We are happy to be supporting such a great event and we thank Rod Jones and Oceanburo and Royal Geelong Yacht Club for their support,” said Audi’s general manager, corporate communications, Anna Burgdorf, as she presented Nathan with the keys to his brand new silver Audi A4 Avant valued at $54,800.

As part of his prize, Rod Jones from Oceanburo donated the use of an SB3 to the winner’s home club to use for two years.

Nathan won both his heats to progress to the six boat final, which kept spectators holding their breath. The two semi-finals were exceptionally aggressive, reminiscent of an America’s Cup action with plenty of pre-race tactics being played out on the course.

ABC’s Ian Cover and around the world sailor Nick Moloney gave blow-by-blow coverage from Waterfront City in breezes that were up and down, keeping all competitors on their toes until the final race in which the best six crews competed.

By the time the six teams hit the water, the breeze had faded to almost nothing and it was touch and go as to whether to abandon the race or not, but in the little breeze there was, the six moved at snail’s pace on the Victoria Harbour course with a crowd cheering them on.

A young Geelong crew skippered by Brendan Garner finished second.  A crew skippered by legendary 18 and 16 foot skiff sailor, Peter Sorensen finished third.