Olympians prove pathways at 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland

The final day of the Coaching Clinic at the 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland saw the 280 sailors in attendance fine-tune their new skills under the helpful eye of Olympians and their Coaches, with a fire well and truly lit in the belly of many.

After sharing tips and tricks with sailors last night, Olympic silver medallist Grae Morris and fellow Paris 2024 Olympian Brei Whitehead were on hand again today, thrilled to see so many young sailors taking to the water.

“The week has been great so far, we’ve had some challenging conditions so to see everyone still go out, give it a shot and still be super stoked to be here has been awesome,” said Morris.

“It’s been awesome to see how many young sailors there are who just really enjoy sailing, whether it’s racing or just getting out with their mates.

“It’s quite extraordinary and inspiring, even with me being a bit older,” he said.

For Whitehead, who both competed and coached at this event growing up, returning as an Olympian is a full circle moment.

“I’ve really enjoyed being amongst everyone again,” said Whitehead.

“This event is really what inspired me when I was younger. As a North-Queensland girl, this event is where I saw how many other sailors there are and realised how far you can go with the sport.

“Another really important aspect is he friends you make while you’re here. These kids will be able to go away to Nationals or travel to different states and stay with friends, it helps to develop that community,” she said.

Having sailed in a variety of classes in her youth, Whitehead notes that regardless of boat, the coaching sailors receive at this event is second-to-none.

“This event allows kids to get a full week of coaching, which depending where you’re from, can be an absolute game changer.

“You learn so much, have fun implementing it all in the Regatta, and then can go away and work on everything over the next 12 months until you come back next year.

“You can learn the things you need to be competitive in racing regardless of what class you’re in. If you’ve got the skills, you can always transfer them to a different boat. I started in Sabots and have ended up in Kites, so there’s always opportunities,” she said.

10 year old Lucy Walker from Whitsunday Sailing Club is experiencing the inspiring effect of the event first hand, noting she has learnt a lot over the past three days.

“It’s been really good, I’ve had fun and we’ve played lots of games which have taught me a lot,” said Walker.

“I’m excited to race during the Regatta, last year I came fourth so I’d like to see if I can get third or second or maybe even first.

“It’s really exciting to have the Olympians here, I’d like to go to the Olympics one day,” she said.

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

The four-day 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland Championships will take place from tomorrow. For more information or to follow along with result, click here.

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