My name is Sara Winther, I am the current NZ Open and Women National Laser Radial Champion. I represented NZ at the 2012 Olympics, which was an awesome experience, but now I want to qualify NZL for the Rio Olympics and win a medal in 2016.

I am a past ISAF Youth World silver medallists, was ranked number 1 in the world in 2011. I have had a top 10 at the world championships in 2011 and won two world cups and had three bronze medals.

I am committed to being a full time sailor and doing everything possible to be on the podium in Rio. But first New Zealand must secure a spot for the Olympics, which starts this year at the world championships in Spain in September.

I need to compete in this event, and be in the top 75% of the nations competing to secure a spot for New Zealand. This is actually quite an easy task, but first I must actually be there in Spain. This is where this crowd-funding kicks in.

My budget for 2014 is well in excess of $40,000, but I need at least 10k to get to the worlds in September. So its ok if i get more than the donation amount!

Not only do I want to secure New Zealand a spot at the Olympics in Rio, I want to podium at this world championships which is not out of my league.

I am a big fan of twitter and also have a website and facebook page. Feel free to follow me @WintherNZl www.facebook.com/ sara-winther-sailing and  www.nzlradial.com