SAILING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:A MAKE or break fortnight for Irish sailing is looming this weekend as the ISAF Sailing World Championships begins off Perth, Western Australia. Hopes are high that at least two and possible more crews will qualify for the London Olympic Games.
The venue is arguably one of the best in the world, ideally suited for as many as 1,200 competitors, with fresh breezes daily and warm conditions guaranteed.
Of the Irish contingent, official hopes rest with Peter O'Leary and David Burrows in the Star keelboat along with Annalise Murphy in the Laser Radial. Both boats are consistent top 10 performers at world level, with occasional podium appearances feeding hopes of medal-winning performances at Weymouth next August.
Murphy took bronze at the Sail for Gold regatta at the Olympic venue earlier this year, while O'Leary lifted gold at the same event the previous summer. Both regattas had talent-packed fields.
A couple of world titles for Christmas this year wouldn't be unwelcome but team management stress qualification for the games is the first priority.
From the official squad standings, the possibility of a third boat is also a realistic hope as Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern in the 49er are also aiming for the London Games.
If the conditions off Fremantle next week live up to expectations, their class in particular will produce some spectacular racing during short races of around 10 minutes each.
But there are other Irish boats in the hunt next week operating independently of the Irish Sailing Association and the Irish Sports Council Carding scheme that provides funding support for athletes.
Strong results at Perth 2011 could lead to inclusion on funding for 2013 and onwards.
Olympic veteran Ger Owens opted to return to campaigning earlier this year having withdrawn from the demanding routine of training and racing.
He has paired up with Howth's Scott Flanigan in the 470 dinghy and they could be a surprise qualification for Weymouth.
Two single-handed sailors have also made the journey Down Under. James Espey will compete in the Laser, while Ross Hamilton will sail in the Finn, starting on Monday.
First into action on Monday morning will be Hamilton in the Finn. Murphy also has her first race in a 100-strong Laser Radial fleet including world number one ranked Marit Bouwmeester from the Netherlands along with Evi Van Acker from Belgium. All three shared the podium in Weymouth in June.
The "Fremantle Doctor" that delivers up to 25 knots of breeze almost daily at this time of year could be an ace card for the Irish sailor.
