He has only been sailing a Laser for eight months and been in the sport for less than four years but Daniel Costandi is about to enjoy the experience of his young lifetime.
The 14-year-old shire boy will represent Australia at the Laser 4.7 World Championships in Belgium thanks to a meteoric rise as a sailor built on hard work and determination.
Daniel, from Oyster Bay, was selected after his performances at the Laser National Championships. He is the youngest by two years in the 12-member national squad.
Daniel and his mum, Michelle, leave Sydney on Saturday to travel to Nieuwpoort in Belgium for the championships to be held at the Koninklijke Yacht Club starting on July 17.
He learned to sail at the Georges River Sailing Club, starting in the Tacker boats in October, 2013. His early talent was nurtured at the Sandringham club and this year he took on a new boat, going from strength to strength and improving at a remarkable rate.
Daniel ended his time in an optimist at the Australian Championships last year where he finished 45th out of 118 boats. He also won the GRSC club championship and point score series.
