How long have you been in the sport of Sailing?

I was very fortunate to grow up in a sailing family and spent time sailing out of Balmoral and spending school holidays staying on our family boat of the time - from a Hood 23, an Adams 10 to a Compass 28. So over 40 years…

What Club, Association or company are you involved with?

A long term member of Middle Harbour Yacht Club at The Spit, Mosman I am now a member of the CYCA at Rushcutters Bay. 

Cape Fear crew post racing in Auckland

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

I am a competitive yacht sailor, have run my own business in the industry since 2018 - My Crew Travel (www.mycrewtravel.com)  - an agency dedicated to all things yachting. In the past I have volunteered on a number of committees and currently spend my time on yacht deliveries. 

Tell us how you first got involved with Sailing

As above - learned as a child, did some racing on Mirror dinghies but didn’t really participate until my late teens with regular Saturday club racing and offshore events like Pittwater - Coffs Harbour and Sydney - Southport and Mooloolaba races. 

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

In the last two years I have been fortunate to travel to over 35 countries and complete 35,000 nautical miles in yacht deliveries. Many countries like Palau, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea I would never have experienced if it wasn't for sailing. 

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

I love being on the water - the conditions are always changing so no two races are ever the same. I enjoy working as part of  a team where communication is key and decisions have to be made in a timely manner. The people I have met through the sport have become life long friends. 

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

Take the opportunity - it is the ultimate way to reconnect and live in the moment. You can put down your phone and forget your week while you focus on learning a new skill that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. 

Tell us your favourite story ….

I will always remember my first Sydney- Hobart Yacht Race on a Cape 35 design yacht ‘ Cape Fear’. We raced as an all female crew.  The skills I learnt from axmore experienced crew and skipper led me to enjoy offshore yachting in a safe and enjoyable manner. I still catch up with this crew at least once a year - even though we are spread across several states and countries now. Many more stories that will remain in the vault!