Olympians give back at 2024 Zhik Youth Sail New South Wales

The second day of the 2024 Zhik Youth Sail New South Wales Coaching Clinic was as successful as the first, with sailors and coaches from around the country working together to sharpen skills and hone techniques.

One of an impressive sixteen coaches in attendance, Paris Olympian Jim Colley is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the next generation, stating the event has been an exciting promise of what the future of sailing looks like in Australia.

“It’s been a fantastic event so far - there are so many sailors in so many classes at this event, the most I’ve seen in New South Wales for a long time, so it’s been really exciting,” said Colley.

“It’s awesome to see so many young sailors just frothing the sport and that they get to go sailing so much. They’ve been so excited to go out there, learn and hone their craft. All the sailors have been super receptive and I think we’ve made some pretty big gains over a short period of time.

Having taken part in this exact event as a young sailor himself, Colley knows the importance of bringing the up-and-coming community together.

“I think I probably did six or seven of these events myself as a kid between Opti’s and 29ers and it definitely made a difference to my development. 

“The opportunity to go sailing somewhere you’re not used to sailing is hugely important and meeting and racing against so many new people really allows you to develop a whole range of different skills.

“Without events like this one, I would never have been able to go to the Olympics. 

“I think it’s so important that we’re able to pass on what we’ve learned, so to come back and support the next generation has been an opportunity I’m grateful for,” he said.

For Haylee Outteridge, NSW Performance Pathways Manager, the event is a great opportunity for sailors and coaches alike.

“The NSW Coaching Clinic is a really great opportunity for all the sailors to come together, get to know each other and develop in a nice, safe training environment with coaches from all around Australia,” said Outteridge.

“We have a really diverse group of coaches here this year, all from various backgrounds. 

“Getting the coaches together and providing an environment where they can learn and troubleshoot together is really valuable. In sailing, you often coach on your own a lot, in isolation, so these opportunities are quite important to make the most of.

“I hope the kids can leave this event with fun memories and a host of new friendships. If they can leave inspired and with a love for the sport, then we’ve done our job.”

Teralba Amaetur Sailing Club is hosting this year's event from Wednesday 2 to Monday 7 October.

The Coaching Clinic portion of the event will run until Friday, with the Youth Championships to follow immediately after, beginning on Saturday.

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.