2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland inspires next generation of sailors

A beautiful day on the water has marked the halfway mark of the 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland Coaching Clinic in Yeppoon, with young sailors from around Australia inspired by their experiences.

280 sailors from around Australia took part in more than 250 boats on day two of the event, with hosts Keppel Bay Sailing Club and their members thrilled to welcome the sailing community to their shores.

For 12-year old local Verity Scott, the 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland marks her fourth year of involvement in a row, having attended since 2021.

“It’s very exciting that people have traveled here from all over Australia because it gives us the chance to compete against people from not just our club, but from clubs down south and up north,” said Scott.

“Our club does such a good job of hosting the event, all the sailing team and volunteers make it run so smoothly.

“I’m in an Open Skiff at the moment and my next goal is to sail a 29er as the Crew. Coming here, you get to be coached by all different coaches and you learn so much. Every year I’ve had a different coach, so you get to learn so much and become such a good sailor,” she said.

Scott notes she is especially inspired by all the new sailors she has the opportunity to meet as well as the female coaches whom she has the opportunity to work with.

“The female coaches are really nice,” she said.

“They obviously sailed in their childhood and know what it’s like to be a young female in sailing, so they really inspire you to keep sailing. 

“You get to meet so many different people and it’s a really fun week. Taking part over the last four years has definitely helped me become a better sailor,” Scott said.

Fun was had across all classes, with Green Fleet sailor Tanner Arendsen saying he’s also enjoyed the experience because he’s learnt so much.

“It’s been a really fun experience, I’ve learned new skills including how to sail in light winds and improve my boat speed,” said Arendsen.

“I also got my first choc top, and I’m not talking about ice cream. It’s where the sail goes all the way over and hits the mud. I jumped on the centreboard and it righted itself, that was fun.

“I’m really looking forward to the Regatta, my goals are to have fun and try my hardest,” he said.

Keppel Bay Sailing Club is hosting this year's event from Monday 16th to Saturday 21st September.

For more information on the event, click here.

To follow along with the event on social media, be sure to follow Australian Sailing Youth on Facebook and Instagram.