By JULIE ASH
After their success in world sailing events, it's back to the books for Auckland sisters Kate and Rachel O'Brien.
Kate, aged 17, was the first female across the line in the Laser Radial Youth Championships in Barcelona. She was also part of the New Zealand team that won the
teams event.
Rachel, 15, teamed with North Shore's Kelly Riechelman in the World Open 29er Championships in Canada. The pair finished 12th overall and were the first female youth crew home.
Both sisters are now taking a break from the sport to concentrate on their school work at St Cuthbert's College.
Rachel hopes to compete in the world 29er championships in Sydney in January, and both girls will compete in the national youth championships in March with the aim of winning their classes to secure places in next year's International Sailing Federation championships in Canada in July.
Rachel will stay in the 29ers, but Kate hopes to move into the Europe Olympic class.
Before the laser radial championships, Kate competed in the Youth Sailing International Sailing Federation world championships in France where she finished second in the single-handed girls event two points behind the winner.
Kate said she was a little disappointed with her second place but is optimistic about her chances next year.
"I went into this regatta with little idea of where I was in relation to the rest of the fleet. Now I know I can do it," she said.
Kate was also part of the New Zealand team that finished second overall in the teams event.
Rachel and Kelly's 12th place in the world open 29er championships meant they were the second open female crew and the first female youth crew home.
The sisters were introduced to the sport eight years ago by their father.
"We've just kept going from there," said Kate. "I enjoyed it from the start and hope to carry on."
