How long have you been in the sport of Sailing?

12 years 
 

What Club, Association or company are you involved with?

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club
 

What part do you play in our sport? (eg. Sailor, club volunteer, committee member)

Sailor, Race Official, Instructor, Club Volunteer, Club Management, Parent

Tell us how you first got involved with Sailing

I first got involved with sailing, when my best friend said she was going to try it out. We both immediately loved it and then sailed together for three years. Started in optis together and moved up into cadets together.
 

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

From club racing on yachts to state and national one design championships, to offshore races including the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Groupama Race around New Caledonia. I also love racing small inshore keelboats. NCYC has a fleet of Elliott 6s that we race through spring and summer. My husband and I have recently become the proud owners of a couple of Lasers so I might do some Laser twilight racing this spring.

I decided to become an instructor to help other women enjoy the sport of sailing. I teach women's learn to sail and transition to yachting programmes at NCYC as well as coaching at the annual RSYS Ladies of the Sea regatta.
 

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

The people and the community. I have met the most amazing people through sailing, including my husband! The team work and camaraderie is really rewarding and so many people give so much time, energy and expertise to the sport, volunteering to provide opportunities at all levels. It's a great example of the good people can do when they come together with a common interest.

Then there's tuning in to the wind and waves and the stars offshore at night. Nothing else matters when you're on the water.
 

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

It will change your life in the best of ways. It's medicine for your mind, body and soul. If you want to be part of a big warm community of adventurers, have fun and stay fit while enjoying some of the most beautiful places on the planet, then sailing is for you.
 

Tell us your favourite story ….

There are sooooo many!

One that stands out is seeing all the planets in a row just before dawn sailing from Noumea to Sydney. I'm a bit of a star gazer and that was a real treat.

Another is the squeals of delight when a group of women first fly a spinnaker on our Force 24 training boats at NCYC. It's the absolute best to help more women experience the joy of sailing and see that they can do whatever they put their mind and body to.