By Melissa Davies
Takapuna sailor Sara Winther is battling on in her quest for an Olympic medal despite her coach having to pull out at the last minute.
She joined her fellow Kiwi sailors in Weymouth today as they prepare to take on the games.
Weymouth has become the Kiwi sailing team's second home over the past few years, but the sight of sunshine hasn't been so familiar.
Winther says the changeable conditions will suit the Kiwi sailors, which will be a welcome advantage after her training schedule was disrupted last month when coach Mark Orams had to return to New Zealand.
“He rode a bike and hit a lamppost and unfortunately shattered both his elbows, so that wasn't ideal for the campaign and unfortunately he can't get here, but I have Ian Neeley who is the youth coach for Yachting New Zealand who is taking over the role,” she says.
Yachting New Zealand Olympic manager Jez Fanstone says she believes Team Jolly are in medal contention.
“They've had a really good run up, sixth in their first World Champs straight out of the bag in a new class, fourth in this one and two medals in between,” says Fanstone.
“What a great set of results and they're fully prepared, they've got a great coach and they work well as a unit and they'll be hoping it comes together in the first day.”
The numbers are looking good for the New Zealanders, with Kiwis in nine out of the 10 sailing classes.
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