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Racing at the nationals provided excellent preparation for the World Championship with both the X Factor team, Melanie DENNISON (VIS), Caroline ADERS (NSWIS) and Fiona HERBERT (NSWIS) and the YZ Racing Team, Nicky BETHWAITE (NSWIS), Kristen KOSMALA (NSWIS) and new crew Karyn GOJNICH showing good speed when the wind finally came.

The final day of racing at the Australian Championship was sailed in 12-20 knots with close racing between the top five boats.

In the 25 boat fleet, Dennison and Bethwaite finished on equal points, with Dennison taking third overall on a count back and Bethwaite taking fourth. Neville WITTEY and his crew took the number one spot.

"This regatta does not count in the [Australian] Olympic nomination series, however it is a good guide to the Worlds (that do count) which start on 2nd January," Bethwaite explained.

The World Championship has been selected as the fourth and final Australian Olympic Nomination Regatta to select the crew which will represent Australia at the 2004 Olympic Games. With approximately 40 boats competing, Yachting Australia's Yngling coach, Dayne SHARP said the large fleet will bring extra pressure to start each race well.

"Both crews are looking forward to the Worlds. The competition will be tough and finishing well will come down to the team that makes the least mistakes," Sharp added.

There will be no time for the Yngling sailors to party and celebrate the new year with a practice race scheduled on the 1st January, and race one scheduled on the 2nd.