Adam Beattie

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—I would like to acknowledge the incredible accomplishments of world sailing champion Adam Beattie. Adam made the move to Lake Macquarie three years ago from Cairns, following his belief that if he wanted to become the best sailor, he had to compete against the best, and we do have some amazingly skilled sailors in Lake Macquarie. While Adam is not a professional sailor per-se; this year alone he has won the New South Wales, Queensland and Victorian State Titles as well as the Australian Championships, beating Olympic silver medallist and World Champion Darren Bundock and World Champion and reigning European Champion Steve Brewin. Adam won his first national title when he was just eight years old competing in a sabot. Since then he has gone on to win a total of nine nation titles in three different classes and a world championship in a Nacra F18 catamaran. Adam is now sharing his love of sailing with his nine year old daughter Jade, and I'm happy to report that just last month they came second in the Maricate NSW State Titles held at Mannering Park. Well done Adam, you are an inspiration to us all.