This comes on the heels of their third placing at the Sail Melbourne event at Sandringham late last year.

Ame explained both these events were open to sailors of all abilities and not necessarily disabled sailors who are currently competing to build experience and points to qualify for the 2012 Paralympics in England.

Her main competitor in the SKUD division Dan Fitzgibbon sailed in the earlier event at Sandringham coming second behind father and son team Duncan and Peter McGregor, while Ame and her partner finished third.

Then in the latest competition held on January 13 and 14, Dan Fitzgibbon did not sail while the McGregor's again finished first.

Ame finished second only two points behind managing a two firsts and a second on the first day and two seconds and a third on the second day, each time she was neck and neck with the McGregor's.

"There is a bit of rivalry but it is mainly fun," she said.

"They are a nice family and I enjoy competing against them."

But getting to the Paralympics is the main goal for Ame, who just graduated from the University of Wollongong where she studied music and she is an accomplished musician despite being born with no arms and only one leg.

The road to the Paralympics in England in 2012 is long, tough and expensive.

Her next step is to compete in the Bruce Wake 2010 Access Class World Championships and SKUD18 International Championships hosted by Rutland Sailing Club, England from June 4-11.

Then the next month, there is another Paralympic qualifying event in Holland.

For Ame and her family raising the funds is just a great a challenge as practicing on the water.

They have formed "Ame's Army" support group to help her get overseas, over the line and into the Paralympics.

You can get on board "Ame's Army" by checking out and writing something on her blog page, which is AmesArmy.blogspot.com or check out her Facebook page too.