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In the 49er class it will be a case of the old guys trying to show the young guys how it's done. 49er world champion Chris NICHOLSON will again team up with his Athens 2004 Olympic crew Gary BOYD from Newcastle to race against the young colts who recently beat them at the NSW State Championship, Nathan OUTTERIDGE and Ben AUSTIN.

Over the last four years OUTTERIDGE has sailed in two classes at Sydney International Regatta, in the 470 for two years and he then moved to the 49er. In the first year in the 49er he sailed with Malcolm PAGE and then in 2005 with Ben AUSTIN. AUSTIN has previously competed at Sydney International Regatta in the Laser class.

'Racing on Sydney Harbour is always a challenge particularly in regards to the weather and the traffic on the harbour. Sydney International has a great atmosphere and the 49er fleet has a pretty good turn out with a number of the local Woollahra Sailing Club teams competing', commented OUTTERIDGE after their recent State title win.

Finn class regular at Sydney International Regatta Josh BEAVER will be keeping a close eye on newcomer Brendan CASEY who made the move from the Laser class earlier this year. BEAVER has been racing in the Finn class at Sydney International Regatta since 2001 previously competing at the event in the Laser class.

'Sydney International Regatta is my favourite regatta on the year in my adopted home town. Competition this year will be tight with Brendan Casey stepping across from a top 10 ranking in the Lasers to join the Finn class', said Western Australian BEAVER.

Nicky BETHWAITE's Australian crew in the Yngling © Jeff CROW, Sport the Library at Sail Melbourne

The Yngling fleet will see the return of 2004 Athens Olympian Nicky BETHWAITE and her crew Karyn GOJNICH and Angela FARRELL. BETHWAITE is aiming to again represent Australia in Beijing in 2008 in the Yngling class. Young match racing champion Katie SPITHILL will be racing in the Yngling class taking advantage of an opportunity to race against BETHWAITE and her experienced crew.

'Sydney International Regatta is a great opportunity for people with Olympic ambitions to experience an event with plenty of depth in talent and to learn from sailors with knowledge of what an Olympic campaign is all about. This regatta provides an opportunity for selectors to observe competitors and competitors to showcase their skills in their chosen class', remarked BETHWAITE.

Sydney International Regatta Notice of Race and entry form are available on the Yachting NSW's website is www.yachtingnsw.com.au. Entries are being accepted now and it is recommended to get in early to avoid a late fee.