Sailing: Trio have wind at their backs

Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club sailors Zac Merton (left) and Sam Barnett are two of three club members named in Yachting New Zealand's new Aon Fast Track programme. Photo / George Novak

Three young Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club sailors have been identified by the national body as potential stars of the future.

Zak Merton, Sam Barnett and Trent Rippey are among nine sailors to be named to Yachting New Zealand's new Aon Fast Track programme, aimed to accelerate the most talented and dedicated young sailors to top international Olympic campaigners.

Sailors were selected due to a range of criteria, including a string of exceptional performances at international youth events.

"It's very possible that within a few years, some of these names will be seen among the NZL Sailing Team, campaigning for the 2020 Olympics" said Yachting New Zealand talent development manager Ian Neely.

"That is the goal for all of the sailors in this programme.

"Everything about the Aon Fast Track programme is individualised to each sailor's unique needs. Every sailor's plan will be specifically targeted at addressing the current skills which will give them the greatest level of improvement on the race course."

A key component of the programme is teaching sailors to lead their own campaign and a team of supporters which may include Yachting New Zealand, sport science specialists, coaches, mentors, parents, sponsors and funding agencies.