Defending champions of the Inclusive Category, Australian team Genevieve and Grant return to the RS Venture Connect World Championships 2024 (Rutland, 30th September to 3rd October). They took Gold at the 2023 RS Venture Connect Worlds in Rostock, Germany, and also won Bronze in the Inclusion World Championship for Sailing which run alongside the same event in 2023. Grant tells us all about their RS Venture Connect experiences so far and why Inclusion Sailing is the way forward.
Why did you sign-up to the RS Venture Connect World Championship?
“We are looking forward to competing in the 2024 RS Venture World Championships. After finishing 3rd in Oman in 2022 and winning in 2023 in Rostock, we are very keen to continue in this class which suits our sailing together. In 2001 Genevieve suffered a stroke hindering her ability to talk, read, write and walk. Being able to sail in an inclusive format regatta is high on the agenda. Having worked as her coach and we can now team up to compete together.”
What’s your sailing background?
“Genevieve started in mirror dinghies as a teenager. I started at Royal Perth Yacht Club in dinghies. After Genevieve’s stroke she found the love of sailing again through Sailability and has since competed in many Hansa classes locally and internationally. I’ve had good successes in many classes and these days I enjoy coaching and competing in the sport I love.”
How did you meet your teammate? What’s your favourite thing about sailing together?
Racing at the 2023 RS Venture Connect Worlds/ Inclusion World Championship for Sailing in Rostock, Germany
“We’ve known each other from their junior sailing days but more recently crossed paths again in 2018 when I was the Australian Para coach and Genevieve joined the team to compete overseas. She had good success winning a silver medal at the 2018 Para Worlds in the 303 class. We love the inclusive format and being able to sail and share our sailing talents together. It’s the competition and fun that we enjoy together.”
Why do you choose to sail the RS Venture Connect?
“The RS Venture Connect is perfectly suited to us. It attracts many Para sailors and offers performance sailing in an inclusive format and really keeps the competition evenly matched with the setup of the boat. Genevieve is able to concentrate on helming while I pull the strings. We both work together on our strategy and the tactics around the course.”
What are you most looking forward to at the World Championships?
Grant, Genevieve and Dan Jaspers
“Simply competing at a high level against some of the best inclusive sailors around the world will be fantastic. This inclusive format is rapidly growing and it’s great to be involved. It will be fun to catch up with our competitors and friends from around the world. A big thanks must go to our home clubs Royal Perth Yacht Club and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.”
Thanks to Grant for the interview. Click here to find out more about the RS Venture Connect World Championship 2024.
