How long have you been in the sport of Sailing?

3 Years

What Club, Association or company are you involved with?

Wallaroo Sailing Club

What Part do you play in our sport?

Sailor; Club Volunteer; Committee Member

Tell us how you first got involved with Sailing

Whilst on holidays in Airlie Beach, I had the opportunity to crew on a friend's boat for a Wednesday Twilight race held by the Whitsunday Sailing Club. I loved it, so when I got home I looked into the sail training program being held locally through the Wallaroo Sailing Club.

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

I started as a sail trainee with no experience, and bought my first boat, a Sabre, towards the end of my first season. I'm now into my third season and I regularly sail in our Sunday afternoon club races and help out with the junior sail trainees on Sunday mornings. I've joined the club committee and volunteer behind the bar when we hold functions.

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

I love being out on the water. I also enjoy being a club member and the social aspects that come with that. Our club is very friendly and inclusive and it's a great atmosphere.

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

Give it a go! It's such a fun sport.

I suffer from social anxiety and it took me about 12 months from when I started researching about sail training locally to when I took the leap and rang our head sail trainer, Colin. He was so supportive and friendly, and when I turned up on the first day, I was embraced and made to feel so welcome.

As a new sailor, I am so supported by our club. The experienced sailors are always helping me out on the water, calling out tips and sailing past to check that I'm going okay. Then talking me through what went wrong (or right) when we get back to the beach. I've even had crew members from other boats jump in the water and help me when I've capsized!

Tell us your favourite story...

I guess that would have to be meeting my partner through the sailing club. If I hadn't taken that leap, I never would've met the love of my life!