Federal Government commitment to elite sailing

Australia's Olympic and Paralympic sailors are to get further Federal Government support with the announcement of the development of the stage two upgrade of the National Training Centre in Sydney.

Launching the $1.3 million redevelopment at the Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy stated "our sailors achieved outstanding results at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games and this redevelopment ... will ensure they remain on course to win gold in Rio and pursue continued success on the water.

"The team's outstanding achievements at the London Games were a direct result of the hard work and determination of our athletes, coaches and support staff. But we know that there's still room to give our sailors a boost on the water and ensure smooth sailing to Rio in 2016.

"Stage two of the development ... will ensure our sailors have world-class facilities and they continue to have a competitive edge that places them ahead of the international sailing pack."

The first phase of the Middle Harbour Yacht Club redevelopment was opened in late 2011 and consisted of a refurbishment and fit-out to provide office accommodation, meeting and performance analysis rooms, a small kitchenette, boat storage and an indoor open rigging area.

Funded by a Federal Government grant, phase two will include a large rigging deck space and crane access to provide disability and wheelchair access allowing for the Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches to fully integrate.

Senator Lundy added "in addition improvements will also enable the yacht club to run community Sailability disabled sailing programs and expand its youth dinghy training programs by including Yachting Australia keelboat training schemes such as Adult Learn to Sail."

The Federal Government supports Yachting Australian and Australia's sailing team through $6 million in annual funding to grassroots and elite sailing programs.

Image: Australian sailing at the London Olympics.

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