Meet the Sailors

Meet The Sailors 2024

Nathan Mao - Intermediate Fleet - Bumblebee - AUS 485 - Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Hi I’m Nathan. I started sailing in an Opti with a friend in tackers 1 for 3 days. After, I moved to tackers 2 and learnt how to sail by myself. Then all the way to green fleet. I finally moved to Intermediate and now I have a new Opti.

I like sailing because it feels good to be inside the club and is a good sport and it’s very fun in strong winds. I can also make lots of new friends while learning! The club has lots of events over the weekends and school holidays too!

Alexandra Schultz - Green Fleet - Shockwave - AUS1897 - Sandringham Yacht Club

I started sailing because my dad sailed when he was young and wanted me to give it a go. I like sailing because it makes me feel free and makes me feel in control. The club I sail at is like a community, everyone is so nice and supportive and makes me feel safe.

I like that with the opti it is easy to control and it is the perfect size for me!

William Rose - Open Fleet - No Regrets - AUS 1447 - Black Rock Yacht Club (BRYC) and Mordialloc Sailing Club (MSC)

Hi, my name is William and I’m 9 yo. I started sailing with my dad in a 125 dinghy when I was 5. I learnt how to crew and be on trapeze and use a spinnaker. Last year I started to steer the 125 and we won the National titles open division.

I also got my first Opti. I love sailing it because I don’t have to talk to any one. It makes me feel free and I have lots of fun sailing at different clubs and playing with other kids. I’m really excited to go to Qingdao. It will be the first time I’m sailing overseas so I want to learn as much as I can. I’m also excited to go to my first Opti nationals in Brisbane where it might be warmer.

Sterling Banks - Green Fleet - AUS 791 - Daveys Bay Yacht Club (DBYC) and Albury Wodonga Yacht Club (AWYC)

Sterling started sailing at Mornington Yacht Club in the school holiday programs, then moved to Rutherglen and enthusiastically did Tackers 1-3 at AWYC before moving back to The Peninsula and joining DBYC. Sterling enjoys getting out on the water, being independent with the care of his Opti and the camaraderie with his sailing friends.

Charlie Elvin - Green Fleet - Dirty Armbow - AUS 1561 - Altona Yacht Club

Hi, my name is Charlie Elvin. I started sailing in Tackers 1 when I was eight years old, I have now just completed green fleet and I race against some of the adults and some other kids on Saturday afternoons at Altona Yacht Club, I have even won some races. My parents surprised me one day. We went for a road trip to Sandringham and went to someone’s house. I noticed that there was an Opti in the driveway, but I did not know that this was to become my new boat. A great surprise and I am now the proud owner and skipper of “Dirty Armbow”. I love Altona Yacht Club as it is super friendly and many of the members let me come and sail on their boats too, so I get to try lots of different types of boats and get to meet lots of people. We also have some fun social days, where we get to watch movies and have pizza. My parents have even got involved. My mum is now a full instructor and teaches tackers, she also sails on a Formula 15, I am hoping to get a go on that boat soon. My dad helps on the water on the rescue boat and is also an assistant instructor.

Noor Tcharikov - Green Fleet - AUS 888 - Davey's Bay Yacht Club

Hi, I'm Noor, and I'm 11 years old. My passion for sailing ignited when my dad, a skipper, introduced me to the world of sailing. It all began one day when my family and I were enjoying frozen yogurt. I caught sight of those charming little boats, and my curiosity was piqued. My mom pointed out the optimists, and I was immediately drawn to their cool design. That moment sparked my journey into the world of sailing. Soon after, my mom enrolled me at Davey's Bay Yacht Club, where I embarked on my sailing adventures. Initially, I was perplexed by the counterintuitive nature of steering—a simple concept, yet challenging to grasp. However, with determination and practice, I quickly mastered the art of navigating the waters.

My favourite spot at the yacht club is the breathtaking ramp that leads directly into the water. It's not just a ramp; it's the threshold to boundless excitement and exploration. Every time I launch my boat from there, I feel an exhilarating rush, as if I'm setting sail into a realm of endless possibilities. The rhythmic sound of the water gently lapping against the sides of the ramp is incredibly soothing. It's nature's way of whispering encouragement, urging me to embark on thrilling adventures. It's not just a ramp; it's the gateway to my sailing paradise!

Kengo Matsubara - Green Fleet - Mekari 8 Spinosaurus - AUS 1509 - Albert Sailing Club

I am Kengo Matsubara and the thing I like about Albert Sailing Club (ASC) is I can sail in the strong winds safely. I sailed in over 15 knots. I learned hiking and sitting aft of the gunnel. I love planing very fast in downwind. I like spring wind because it has a stronger and steadier wind.

Other thing about Albert Park is the birds because I like to see them on the water. The most common birds are black swans, Eurasian coots and all 4 species of cormorants which are little pied cormorant, Australian darter, black faced cormorant, and great cormorant. I saw a big pelican on the water then flying over the lake. There were Spoonbills during the summer when no boats except me and Dad were there.

The club people are friendly and supportive. Some of them came to the States Opti championships all the way to SYC to cheer me up while I was sailing. I love science, especially biology, and some of the club members are scientists and teach me lake ecosystems and microbiology.

Last but not least, I like a lunch time BBQ on the deck! I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the lake in winter training!

Meet The Sailors - 2023

Frances Gibson - Open - Scuppers - AUS 1665 - Sandringham Yacht Club

Hi my name is Frances, I am 12 years old and I sail in open fleet.
I started sailing when I was 10 years old in a Minnow.
I love sailing because you can meet so many new people and you get to sail in many different places and make lots of friends.
I love to be on the water with other people because it makes sailing more fun and enjoyable.
Some of my other sport and hobbies are playing basketball, camping and Sea Scouts.

Oliver Leighton – Intermediate – Shockwave – AUS 1897 - Sandringham Yacht Club

Hi my name is Ollie and I am 11 years old. I started sailing when I was eight because my older brother was already sailing at Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC). I had to take some time off sailing because of COVID and was happy when we could go back. What I like most about sailing is racing against other optimists, plus playing and training with my friends. My other hobbies are playing the piano, saxophone and soccer. [July 2023]

Rachael Benoy - Green Fleet - Tigger - AUS 1043

Hi my name is Rachael, I am 11 years old and sail an Optimist. I started sailing when I was 10 years old at Sandringham yacht club. I love sailing especially when we can see the sunset, also because of the great group of cheerful and positive people that I sail with. Some of my other hobbies are swimming, playing the cello and drawing.

Meet the Sailors - 2022

Edward Brown - Intermediate - Trippple Trubbble - AUS777 - Davey's Bay Yacht Club

Hi my name is Edward, I am 10 years old (turning 11 in 2023) I started sailing in 2019 when I was 7. I like sailing because I get to go really fast and I usually feel challenged by the conditions so I hope nationals gives me good conditions this year. I sail 777 TRIPPPLE TRUBBBLE at Davey's Bay Yacht Club. I hope nationals is a good kick start for my sailing this year. I’m really looking forward to nationals 2023 in Sydney, I've never been before so I'm a bit nervous because I only moved up to intermediate quite recently. My hope for nationals is to get top 10. My best regatta experience was probably some afternoon sailing at Davey’s Bay. I also like cubing (rubiks) and I play basketball.

Savannah Deeth - Intermediate - Sea Dragon - AUS 386 - Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club

Hello everyone! My name is Savannah and I am 12 years old. I started sailing when I was 9 years old at SSCBC in Level 1 Stripy Squad. I love sailing Optimists because it lets me be in my happy place. I have made a lot of new friends as well which makes sailing even more fun. My Pa is normally the one who gets me into sports and was the one that encouraged me to do sailing, which I'm very happy he did. My best regatta experience was the 2022 Nationals. It was my first time sailing in Intermediate with heavy winds, which I really enjoyed, and it was a great experience for me! I also love to snow ski and play netball.

Holly Cantwell - Open - The French Way - AUS 1391 - Cairn Curran Sailing Club

Hi, my name is Holly, and I am 13 years old. I sail at SSCBC and CCSC. I first started sailing when I was 6 years old. My best regatta was the 2021 VIC State Championships in Williamstown when I won the Intermediate fleet. I love sailing as you get to make new friends and I enjoy the challenge. My favourite colour is Green, and I enjoy swimming and playing soccer.

Meet the Sailors - 2021

Sofia Ceban-Greysman - Greenfleet - Lopti - AUS 1199 - Davey's Bay Yacht Club

Hi, my name is Sofia and I started sailing when I was about 7 years old at Davies Bay Yacht Club. There were times when I didn't like it and wanted to stop and eventually I grew with it and now I love it! Sailing makes me feel connected with nature and be a part of the wind. It also helps me to spend more time with my family, having my mum and dad involved and my little brother looking up to me and always waiting for me on shore with a big smile. Through games and team sailing, I also get to make new friends and awesome people. In my spare time I love drama and art and I spend time with my Aussie Shepherd who often comes along to my training at Davies Bay. My words of wisdom to new sailors would be :" Sail on!" and you will love sailing.

Atticus Tan - Open - Turbo - AUS 1275 - Sandringham Yacht Club

Hi, I am Atticus! I started learning sailing just 4 years ago because we were living so close to the beautiful waters of Gold Coast. My first real regatta experience was the 2020 Optimist Nationals Championships held at RYCV which saw me win my very first award and that was also where I first received my Optimist boat - Turbo! I love sailing and being able to be out in the open sea with the dolphins, seals, penguins and other sea animals - these are priceless moments! I love to Beatbox and I am also very active in the Australian Air Force Cadets. Sailing is amazing and if you are out there on the waters, say Hi when you see me on Turbo AUS1275!

Meet the Sailors - 2020

Olivia Cameron - Intermediate / Open - Falcon - AUS951 - Davey's Bay Yacht Club
Hello, my name is Olivia and I'm 12 years old. I started sailing properly when I was 11 years old and I sail at Davey's Bay Yacht Club. I love sailing because it lets me forget the rest of the world and surf the waves with the dolphins. My best regatta experience was the 2020 nationals because I learnt to enjoy heavy winds and make friends with people from other countries. I also do soccer and skiing. I would love to come in the top five at any nationals in any class

.
Ashlea Tan – Intermediate – Assassin – AUS1111 - Sandringham Yacht Club
Hi all, this is Ashlea and I am 10 years old this year! I started sailing when I was 8 and started on Tackers 1 at Gold Coast's Southport Yacht Club. I love sailing the Optimist because it is exciting, engaging and brings me out to the beautiful waters! My best regatta experience is at the Nationals this year in Williamstown as it was my first official regatta with full races on. It was fun and I met many of my current sailing pals from there. I also love to swim, cycle and ride on roller coasters!!! Roller coaster riding should be made a sport! I would love to make sailing my sport for life - an activity that would bond my family together. A family that sails together, stays together!

Hunter Cunningham - Intermediate - Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club
Hello, my name is Hunter and I am 12 years old. I have been sailing since I was 7 years old and I sail at SSCBC on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. I love sailing Optimist because I get to meet lots of new people and have fun. My best regatta experience is my first race. I also do skiing as a sport. I would love to be able to sail from Melbourne to Sydney and see the sights along the way.

Hugo Henderson - Greenfleet - Royal Geelong Boat Club
Hello my name is Hugo Henderson. I am 7 years old. I started sailing at age 4 or 5 because my brother and sister both sail. I sail out of Royal Geelong Yacht Club. I love sailing optimists because I like seeing dolphins and watching the clouds change. I especially like it when my mum brings me hot chips! My best regatta experience was my green fleet nationals but the funniest regatta is the junior carnival at MYC. I also like to ride my mountain bike and go swimming or surfing at the beach. I would love to sail around the world with my family.