I recently had the incredible opportunity to compete in the ILCA 4 Youth World Championship in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. It was a gathering of 460 boats and sailors representing 50 nations, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. I dedicated a week to intensive training with Sail Coach and the other Australian sailors leading up to the event. We experienced excellent conditions, with winds reaching up to 25 knots and navigating some of the largest waves I’ve ever encountered. The training period was intense but immensely valuable. I enjoyed training with other participants from all over the world, learning new skills and pushing limits. It was the perfect condition for my dream regatta. I felt confident, built camaraderie among competitors, and made new friends.
Day 1, the regatta was unfortunately cancelled due to insufficient wind. The regatta proceeded to be disappointingly light winds. The third day was also cancelled due to inadequate wind; by this point, I felt disappointed, lucky I bumped into Luke Elliot (Swifto), who was coaching the following week in the exact location. Swifto reminded me that this is the first of many regattas and that being a part of World’s is a fantastic achievement. Despite the unpredictable and disappointing conditions, I approached each race with determination and learned valuable lessons about starting strategies and navigating in a competitive fleet.
While the final results weren’t what I had hoped for, the experience was invaluable. It highlighted areas where I need to improve as a sailor and gave me a more precise focus on what to work on back home. I am determined to refine my techniques and strategies to become stronger and more prepared for future competitions. My time in Portugal was enriched by the friendships I made with sailors worldwide. Sharing the same passion for sailing created bonds I know will last a lifetime. I am deeply grateful for the memories made and the experience gained during this championship.
I am excited about applying everything I’ve learned and showcasing my progress in upcoming regattas. This event has fuelled my passion for sailing even more, and I am eager to continue my journey and see where it takes me next.