How long have you been in the sport of Sailing?

I have been sailing since 2012.

What Club, Association or company are you involved with?

Canberra Ocean Racing Club, Batemans Bay Sailing Club and previously Canberra Yacht Club.

What Part do you play in our sport?

President of Canberra Ocean Racing Club and Committee Member of Batemans Bay Sailing Club. Sailor with both clubs.

Michelle - Racing Namadgi 3 at Port Stephens

Tell us how you first got involved with Sailing

Fell in love with boats and aspired to sailing the Mediterranean – figured I’d better learn to sail.

There are many pathways in sailing, where has your journey taken you?

From Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra to Monaco, including Tasmania, Whitsunday’s, Lord Howe Island, New Caledonia, Bay of Islands NZ and Tonga.

Whatever part of sailing you belong to, tell us about what you enjoy about your sport?

I just love being out on the water, and while I don’t always enjoy the challenges sailing can throw your way, rising to the challenge is satisfying and builds fortitude and resilience.

Michelle  - Sailing my Horizon BBSC

What would you say to someone thinking about getting into sailing?

Do it, you won’t look back. Sailing provides so may opportunities to build personal skills, such as leadership, and to visit and sail in fabulous locations and events.

Tell us your favourite story ….

One of my favourite stories is when we were racing at Hamilton Island and one of our crew members fell in the water as the boat was leaving the dock. He rushed back to our accommodation, got changed, and made it back to the marina in time to secure a tender ride from marina staff out to our boat which was approaching the start line. Like something out of a James Bond movie, the tender brought him up to the stern of the boat and he stepped onboard with about 30 seconds to spare before we crossed the start line. It was brilliant.