Rotary Youth participants prepare for historic race 
 

The Rotary Youth - Audi Victoria Week program is well underway with six 16-18 year olds from regional Victoria in Melbourne to enjoy Australia’s largest sailing regatta and to celebrate Australia Day.

This morning the six spent one-on-one time with 12 time sailing world champion and dual Olympic Tornado silver medallist Darren Bundock and Beijing 470 gold medallist Elise Rechichi in preparation for tomorrow’s historic passage race from Melbourne to Geelong starting at 0930hrs off Williamstown when a fleet of 335 boats will set sail in spectacular fashion.

For all but one of the six successful nominees it will be the first time on a boat and there was plenty of nervous excitement as they were briefed on the race format.

In 2001 John Bertrand AM, Patron of Audi Victoria Week and Victorian Australia Day Committee Member, introduced a concept that has evolved into the Rotary Youth program. The core objective was to connect regional Victoria to the metropolitan Australia Day celebration by creating a wide eyed, awe inspiring ‘day in the life of Australia Day’ experience.

The six youths have been selected by clubs within the 9800 Victorian districts. They were invited to attend yesterday’s Australia Post Australia Day luncheon at Crown Casino and tomorrow they will each step aboard a Sydney 38 one design boat for the 34 mile nautical race.

Their first offshore outing may not be the most comfortable of rides with a southerly headwind forecast, but this shouldn’t bother the six who hail from regional towns such as Echuca, Bendigo and Castlemaine who are sure to enjoy such a unique experience.

The students have been selected based on special recognition, or for their high achievements. The 2010 Rotary youth are:
• Kelcie McDonell representing the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk
• Ricky Tinetti representing the Rotary Club of Echuca – Moama
• Leah Corrie representing the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst
• Deborah Kinnersley representing the Rotary Club of Castlemaine
• Jess Brain representing the Rotary Club of Castlemaine
• Amy (Jean) Van Meumen representing Rotary Club of Bendigo Strathdale

Follow the action daily and view images, video and full results at: www.victoriaweek.com

Lisa Ratcliff, Audi Victoria Week media