LAKE Macquarie is well known for producing world-class sailors, and an all-star sailing academy is ready to teach the next generation the tricks of the trade.
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British Olympic sailor and Australian Olympic coach, Laura Baldwin-Caldecoat, and four-times USA Olympic windsurfer Lanee Butler-Beashel have started H2O Sports Academy Australia, at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre.
The Balcolyn pair will be joined by Olympic, Paralympic and America's Cup sailors.
Baldwin-Caldecoat said the academy caters for everyone from those looking to learn the basics to aspiring Olympians.
The academy covers sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up-paddle boarding and a fun mix of Point Wolstoncroft's activities.
"H2O is an unparalleled entity with the aim of lighting fires in the bellies of youngsters, inspiring and motivating the next generation to strive to achieve goals that excite them, to live healthily as well as find happiness and acceptance within themselves," Baldwin-Caldecoat said.
Other members of the H2O team include five-time Australian Olympic windsurfer Jessica Crisp, Paralympic gold medallist Liesl Tesch and three-time Australian Olympian Karyn Gojnich.
There will also be guest appearances from silver and gold Olympic medallist Tom Slingsby and Nina Curtis.
Baldwin-Caldecoat said that Curtis is currently preparing for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Slingsby is getting ready for the America's Cup.
But the pair will be on hand in between their sailing campaigns.
Home-grown Olympic gold medallist Nathan Outteridge will also join the team.
The academy is opening in January 2015, with two five-day holiday camps from January 12 to 16, and 19 to 23, which keep kids entertained from 8am to 6pm.
During the school term, weekend sailing courses, after-school club and school camps are available.
"Memories of school camps with H2O will be treasured and shared for a lifetime - our motto is dream, believe, achieve," Baldwin-Caldecoat said.
■ For more info visit h2o-sports-academy.com.