Tasmanian sailors Tom Fader and Indy Cooper set to compete against world’s best in Greece

While they may only be young, two Tasmanian teenage sailors are set to represent their country for the second straight year in Europe later this month.

Tom Fader 15 and Indy Cooper 16 who are competing in the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships in Greece. Picture: Chris Kidd

Two of Tasmania’s most talented and promising young sailors are set to test themselves against the world’s best when they travel to Europe on Sunday.

Tom Fader, 15, and Indy Cooper, 16, have been selected in Australia’s 13-person team that will compete at the 2023 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships in Volos, Greece from July 22 – 30.

Both Fader (second from left) and Cooper (left) in 2022 before competing in Portugal. Picture: Chris Kidd

It will be the second time in as many years the two teenagers will represent their country with both competing at the same event in Portugal last year.

They will also be joined by fellow Tasmanian Rohan Langford as one of Australia’s team coaches with the event set to play host to over 438 entries from 51 countries.

Fader, who began his sailing as a junior at the Sandy Bay Sailing Club, said the experience of competing in Portugal last year had him going in confident of a strong result in Greece.

“I’m so keen,” Fader said.

“After going away to Portugal last year I have a better understanding of how it is all going to go so I’m less nervous that’s for sure.

“Last year I finished in the bronze fleet so my goal is to finish high in the sliver fleet or the gold fleet this time around.”

For Cooper, who is just one of three Australian girls selected in the team, she said having the ability to race against the world’s best young sailors was another great opportunity for her development.

“European sailing is very high level so it’s a great chance to build on my skills in big fleet racing,” she said.

Tom Fader 15 and Indy Cooper 16 who are competing in the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships in Greece. Picture: Chris Kidd

With just 13 Australians set to compete, Fader said it was great to have for Tasmania to have two sailors and a coach as members of the team.

“It’s amazing to have a good Tassie representation and it really makes being able to train for the event that much better when you have people doing it with you,” he said.