Nathan Outteridge, Australian sailor

Nathan James Outteridge, born on 28 January 1986, is an internationally acclaimed Australian sailor and a highly distinguished figure in the world of high-performance yacht racing. Hailing from and maintaining his residence in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Outteridge has established himself as one of the sport's most versatile and innovative talents, achieving unparalleled success across diverse sailing disciplines.

A Career Defined by Olympic and America's Cup Excellence

Outteridge's illustrious career is marked by significant achievements at the pinnacle of competitive sailing, showcasing his exceptional skill as both a helmsman and a strategist.

Olympic Medals and 49er Dominance

A two-time Olympic medalist, Nathan Outteridge has left an indelible mark on the Olympic sailing stage in the highly competitive 49er class. Alongside his long-term crewmate Iain Jensen, he achieved:

• Gold Medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games: This victory solidified their status as world leaders in the skiff discipline, demonstrating masterful boat handling and tactical prowess against the sport's best.
• Silver Medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games: Following up on their gold, Outteridge and Jensen continued their remarkable consistency, securing another podium finish against the world's elite 49er crews, further cementing their legacy.

America's Cup Leadership

Beyond the Olympics, Outteridge is widely recognized for his prominent roles as a helmsman in the America's Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy and a pinnacle of sailing innovation and technological advancement. His involvement includes:

• Artemis Racing: He served as helmsman for the Swedish challenger Artemis Racing in both the 34th (2013, San Francisco) and 35th (2017, Bermuda) America's Cup cycles. His leadership was crucial in developing and racing their cutting-edge foiling AC72 and AC50 catamarans, showcasing his ability to manage high-speed, complex machines.
• SoftBank Team Japan: For the 35th America's Cup, he also provided strategic input as a reserve helmsman for SoftBank Team Japan, highlighting his broad expertise and deep understanding of race dynamics.
• Emirates Team New Zealand: Outteridge transitioned to the defender syndicate, Emirates Team New Zealand, where he played a pivotal role in their successful defence campaigns for the 36th America's Cup (2021, Auckland) and continues to be a key member of their sailing team for the upcoming 37th America's Cup. His insights on foiling technology, race strategy, and high-performance boat handling are invaluable to the team's ongoing success.

Innovation in Foiling: The Moth Class

Nathan Outteridge is also a celebrated figure in the International Moth class, a highly technical and innovative single-handed dinghy known for its hydrofoiling capabilities, allowing it to "fly" above the water. He has clinched multiple Moth World Championship titles (e.g., 2011, 2014, 2017), showcasing his mastery of foiling and contributing significantly to the development and popularization of this revolutionary sailing technology that now defines much of elite-level yacht racing.

Lake Macquarie: A Home and Training Ground

Nathan Outteridge's deep connection to Lake Macquarie, located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is a testament to his roots and the thriving sailing culture of the region. This expansive saltwater lake, one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, has undoubtedly served as a vital training ground where he honed the exceptional skills that have propelled him to international acclaim. It remains his cherished home base, symbolizing his enduring link to Australian sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nathan Outteridge

Has Nathan Outteridge won an Olympic medal?

Yes, Nathan Outteridge is a two-time Olympic medalist. He won a gold medal in the 49er class at the London 2012 Olympic Games and a silver medal in the same class at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, both alongside his crewmate Iain Jensen.

Which America's Cup teams has Nathan Outteridge sailed for?

Nathan Outteridge has been a prominent helmsman for Artemis Racing, provided strategic input for SoftBank Team Japan, and has been a key sailing team member for Emirates Team New Zealand across multiple America's Cup cycles.

What is the 49er class in sailing?

The 49er is a high-performance, two-person racing skiff, known for its speed, agility, and demanding nature. It has been an Olympic class since the Sydney 2000 Games, and Nathan Outteridge excelled in this discipline, achieving significant Olympic success.

Is Nathan Outteridge involved in foiling sailing?

Absolutely. Nathan Outteridge is a pioneer and multiple world champion in the International Moth class, a highly technical foiling dinghy. His expertise in foiling technology has also been instrumental in his America's Cup roles, where foiling is now the standard for competitive yachts.