SAILING NATION

Preparing for a regatta has many aspects. Having a well-packed grab bag can make the difference between a smoother day on the water and a stressful one.

I didn't grow up sailing. I played netball, softball and cross country. I loved sport, but I never imagined what it would take to pursue a world stage dream. Then one day my son told me he wanted to become a world class athlete and everything changed. At his first regatta, my son had been sailing an optimist, a small bath tub like boat for a few months. He did quite well given he had not come through the stages of sailing in a club. At the end of the regatta he announced to h

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The first lesson of sailing is Be prepared A few days before the event, check that everything is packed and ready to go. Boats, sails, spars, foils, life jackets, sailing gear, spare parts, sunscreen, hats, water bottles, towels, snacks, and a change of clothes should all make the list.

As parents, we celebrate the wins, cheer from the shore, and quietly hope our child comes off the water with a smile on their face.