Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) sailors Nathan Outteridge and Ben Austin are gearing up for the 49er World Championship, held in Riva del Garda, Italy from 12 to 19 July.

Outteridge and Austin, the current 49er world champions, will both have new partners for this month’s regatta. Outteridge will be paired with Iain Jensen, following their victory at Holland’s Delta Lloyd Regatta in May, and Austin is joined by three time 49er world champion Chris Nicholson, following original skipper Darren Bundock’s exclusion, due to a knee injury.

Coach of the Australian 49er team, Emmett Lazich, believes that the two Australian crews are in good form heading into the regatta.

‘Nathan and Iain’s skills and execution during training has been of a very high standard, so with some normality with the winds and race management, they are in a very good state leading into the regatta.

‘Chris and Ben have naturally needed some time to gel as a team, but in the last few days they’ve showed some very fine form. With some medium winds and good health, I expect they could seriously compete with the best of the opposition,’ Lazich said.

The sailors have experienced some challenges in training caused by extremely varied weather, but water training with the New Zealand team has helped.

Qualification races for the 49er World Championship take place 14–16 July, with the finals held 17–19 July.