Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) sailing pair Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen were named 2009 AIS Team of the Year at the AIS Awards ceremony held in Canberra on 12 November.

Outteridge and Jensen remained world champions throughout 2009 dominating the 49er sailing class. The highly regarded duo recorded impressive victories at this year’s world championships in Italy, the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Holland and the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta in England.

‘Being a world champion in any sporting field takes a lot of skill, time and dedication over many years,’ AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said.

‘That is exactly what Nathan and Iain have shown in dominating the 49er class throughout 2009.’

‘They are champions of their sport and have proven themselves by beating the world’s best.’

‘Their results in the 49er class were among the highlights of world sailing and we are immensely proud of their efforts.’