Winning her Way For 2012 Olympic Test Event

Over 100 Laser and Laser Radial sailors are winging their way to the Weymouth and Portland International Regatta, the Olympic Test Event, from 31 July to 13 August as the sailors' countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition. 

56 Laser sailors and 49 Laser Radial sailors will represent their nation in a bid to get the upper hand on Olympic waters with one year to go. 

Each Nation is allowed only one entry for each category of sail boats. The Yachting Association of India is only fending the laser radial at this event as they feel the Laser Radial has the best chance of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.

There are 39 qualifying spots for the 2012 Olympic Games, so anything inside the top 39 places bodes well for Rohini's chances in the qualifying process which begins in Australia in December and ends in Germany next May.   

Although this may sound like a modest goal, it is far from that as there will be over 50 trained and tuned competitors all fighting for one of the elusive 39 spots. 

Rohini Rau is currently ranked 129th on the International Sailing Federation Ranking.  This event is a good opportunity to lay down the claims for a place in the pecking order! YAI’ s Chief National Coach, Pete Conway, says "We are trying to establish consistency of method and input whilst keeping the process simple in order to achieve the success that Rohini deserves.  

 She has talent and intelligence, so that is usually a good base for success.  Whilst these are early days in the program, belief in the successful outcome of the campaign is beginning to have decent foundations, and this will be the first major marker to see where we are positioned".