Youth sailors and their families dug deep at the presentation ceremony for the 2020 Australian Youth Championships at the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club last night, raising much needed funds for those impacted by the bushfires that continue to burn around the country.

Bidding hard and generously on auction prizes donated by members of the Australian Sailing Team, Australia SailGP Team, Zhik and Ronstan, members of the sailing community sent a strong message of support through their actions to those impacted by the fires.

The auction raised over $7,000, with the biggest bids coming for a training experience with Men’s 470 Olympic medallists Mat Belcher, Will Ryan and Victor Kovalenko, and an Australia SailGP Team merchandise and experience package.

Current Australian Sailing Team and Tokyo 2020 Laser representative Matt Wearn was on hand to speak to the athletes, who had just spent the regatta battling for national titles and Youth World Championships positions.

He also generously donated a signed merchandise pack, which he was able to present in person the winner (pictured).

Australian Sailing would like to thank Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Australian Sailing Team, Australia SailGP Team, Zhik and Ronstan for their generous donations in support of the auction. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster and Recovery Fund.