Racing underway at 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland

Keppel Bay came out to play on the first day of the 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Queensland Championships, with glamour conditions allowing for competitive racing across every class.

More than 250 boats took part on six different courses, with all 280 sailors coming off the water hungry for more.

In the Sabot class, Alyssa Matthieu from Townsville Sailing Club is currently sitting in top spot after recording two firsts and a second in a mixed fleet of 27 boats but says that regardless of her result, this event is always one she looks forward to.

“I sailed pretty well today and am really happy with how I did, my goal is to stay consistent because consistency is key,” said Mathieu.

“Some of my best friends are from this event. I look forward to doing this event every single year and as my Dad says, I live for this event.

“I feel the most like myself when I’m here cause it’s just so much fun, there’s so many good people and I get to just do what I love all day.

“You learn so much, and I love all the tight racing and getting better. The tight racing is good too, I love battling it out with everyone,” she said.

Part of the Kitefoil fleet, 15-year-old Noah Karantonis is excited to be taking part in this year's event after travelling further than anyone to be in attendance.

“I’m from Jervis Bay Sailing Club and was invited by the Western Australian Institute of Sport to come here for the Coaching Clinic portion of the event but decided to stay and do the Regatta because of all the amazing coaches and sailors that are here to learn from and sail with,” said Karantonis.

“I’ve been training the last few days with Shane [Smith] and Breiana [Whitehead] which has been amazing. They’ve been giving me amazing tips about the gear and how to go faster out on the water. Everything they say has been so helpful.

“My goal for the Regatta is probably to come top two, but my main focus is just to learn as much as I can while I’m here. Every session I go out and just learn so much, the environment is so amazing and everyone has been really welcoming.

“I think the rest of the Regatta could be super challenging depending on the weather, but I think it’ll also be really good fun. It was today and always is when you’re sailing in a competition,” he finished.

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

For more information on the Regatta or to follow along with results, click here.

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