Preparation

Michael spent many hours sailing a Laser in the large ocean swells outside Sydney Heads in preparation for the Bass Strait crossing. He completed a number of fresh-wind training runs sailing downwind along the coast, for example, Botany Bay to Sydney Harbour (15nm) to test equipment, navigation and the speed he could maintain over many hours of downwind sailing.

He also worked hard in the gym and with aerobic training in preparation for the crossing.

Michael has been sailing Lasers for 14 years and in three Olympics and sometimes in winds up to 50 knots.  The boat used was identical to that used in World and Olympic competitions.