The targeted "Green and Gold" funding will be used to enhance the team's chances of success, providing greater access to support services, quality training and high level competition.

Sailing with the Australian women's match racing team, Minister for Sport Senator Mark Arbib said the experience gave him the chance to see first-hand how the team's preparations are going.

"The Australian Government recently committed an extra $250,000," he said.

"This funding is part of our 'Green and Gold' project that has injected an extra $2.5 million (£1.5 million) into Australia's top Olympic sports and athletes, including our sailors."

Coming on top of the extra $2 million (£1.2 million) in high performance funding committed to Australia's sailing program in 2010/11, Australian sailing team high performance director Peter Conde welcomed the Government's commitment.

"This new Government funding will allow us to better support our athletes and coaches with the facilities, equipment and support services they need to be at their best in 2012," he said.

"It was great to have Senator Arbib on the water with our athletes and to also have the chance to tour the site of our new National Training Centre which is currently under construction here at Middle Harbour Yacht Club."

Arbib said the launch earlier this month of the European Training Centre was further evidence of the Government's commitment to achieving sustained success on the international stage.

"The Australian Government is committed to giving Australian athletes every opportunity to achieve sustained international success, turning a potential fourth, fifth and sixth placing into a medal at the London Games."


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