Media release – UTAS, 27 May 2024

Five students to compete in sailing world championships

Five University of Tasmania student-athletes will compete as the Australian team in the upcoming sailing world championships to be held in Italy in June.

The International University Sport Federation’s (FISU) World University Championship Sailing is being held in Desenzano del Garda, Italy, from 6-10 June.

Anthony Jusup, Sports Operations Manager at the University of Tasmania, said he is proud that the Australian team is made up entirely of University of Tasmania students.

“Congratulations to the team who have worked hard to get where they are. We are excited to follow their racing and will cheer them along from Tasmania,” Mr Jusup said.

Skipper Sam King, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Naval Architecture) student, said he is proud of the team’s achievement, winning Nationals for the last two years and now becoming Australia’s team for the FISU World University Championship.

“We are very proud of our back-to-back wins,” Mr King said.

“Josh (Ragg) was part of the team that placed 3rd in 2019; he brought experience to the younger team.

“The Australian selection has been very short notice but with the help from Anthony and the team of Jorja, Mckeira, Dervla and Josh we are ready to go. The boat class is dolphin 81. It will be supplied equipment so we will have to adapt quickly.”

Mr King said they are looking forward to racing at Lake Garda, which is a famous destination for sailing.

“Australia has a rich sailing heritage; the team steps onto the global stage with the weight of this legacy,” he said.

“We’ll compete not only for UTAS but also for our country, a chance to showcase our talent and uphold the nation’s reputation.”

The FISU World University Championships provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s best athletes in an international competition, as well as providing significant pathway opportunities.

The athletes participate via Unisport Australia, which is the national university sport federation and a member of FISU.

The following University of Tasmania student-athletes have been selected to compete:

Sam King – Skipper (studying a Bachelor Mechanical Engineering: Naval Architecture)

Dervla Duggan (studying a Bachelor of Nursing)

McKeira Cumming (studying a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science)

Jorja Cooper (studying a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education)

Josh Ragg (studying a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology)

More information on our Elite Sports Program, including an interview with Sam King, see the program’s website.

Featured image above courtesy Matthew Bissett.