Sailor tackles rough conditions in Australia

Sole Team Cook Islands sailor Helema Williams is looking forward to a break from competition after some challenging days on the water at the World Sailing Championships in Fremantle, Australia.

Williams is the first of the three member sailing team to start racing at the championships and after thunderstorms caused the postponement of sailing on day one sailing finally got underway in 15-20 knot winds.

While Williams battles with some of the worlds best female laser sailors, she is being supported from the coachs boat by fellow Northern Group sailors Junior Charlie and Taua Elisa.

All three sailors have set their sights on representing the country at the 2012 London Olympics and the current world championships is part of the qualifying series for the Olympics.

After the opening day of racing, Williams was in 92nd position on 87 points after finishing 39th in race 1 and 48th in race 2.

But the 20-year-old is relatively new to Olympic sailing having only sailed recreationally up until recently.

I started sailing the Optimist on a little island where I live which has a big lagoon. Most of the time we sailed for fun, but nothing big like the ISAF Worlds, Williams said.

Williams, who was the teams flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the world championships commented, It was a real honour to carry our flag. It was really exciting to be walking through Perths city for the opening ceremony with everyone really excited and showing their support.