Sailors meet friend in Holland

Bumping into a familiar face on the other side of the world was a great surprise for the Cook Islands Olympic sailing squad who were in Holland recently racing in the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Medinblik.

Olympic sailing squad members Taua Elisa, Helema Williams, Junior Charlie and coach Laura Baldwin received a visit from former Rarotonga resident 14-year-old Danique van Wijk.

The youngsters visit lifted the spirits of the Cook Islands contingent as a familiar face on the other side of the world was the last thing they were expecting.

Danique is the daughter of local paddler and Cook Islands Water Service owner Kees van Weijk and two years ago she won the local optimist sailing champs.

The youngster also helped coach young sailors at the Rarotonga Sailing Club.

The Olympic sailing squad are now preparing to race in a test event on the 2012 Olympic sailing venue in Weymouth.