WINNING a world championship is no mean feat, but Jesse Dobie has managed to do it twice in the past six months.
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The former Huskisson local, who is now based in Brisbane and her partner Adrian Fawcett flew the flag for Australia, sailing to victory at the Formula 16 Catamaran World Championships in Newport, Rhode Island late last month.
The venue is one of the most iconic in the sailing world, having been the home of the America’s Cup for several years.
The intense schedule saw them race 14 times over the course of four days, pitting them against some of the best competitors in the world.
Dobie described getting the win for Australia as a great feeling.
“It’s a bit surreal, you always go into an event like that hoping you can win, but to actually do it was pretty special,” she said.
“It’s nice to see rewards for your hard work,” she added.
Dobie and Fawcett are not only partners in the boat and have been a couple for several years.
It is not too uncommon in the sport, with a husband and wife duo from the USA finishing in fourth.
Dobie said it is something that either works or doesn’t, but fortunately they are on the same level when they compete.
“I think it’s great,” she said.
“It really adds to the experience. We both understand what it’s all about and we get to celebrate together,” she added.
It is not the first time Dobie has been able to celebrate winning a world championship this year.
Dobie teamed up with Bella Zanesco for a win at the Hobie 16 World Championships in February on her home territory at Jervis Bay.
The next Formula 16 world championships will be held again in Italy in two years time and Dobie is hoping she and Fawcett can go back to defend their crown.
When it gets a bit closer, Dobie admitted they might feel the pressure to try to win again but at this stage they are still letting their recent success sink in.
But for Dobie, sailing is about a lot more than just winning.
“I just really enjoy sailing, a win is a bonus,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter how you do, any day on the water, beats a day in the office.”