Sailing Towards Big Goals

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Evie Saunders is not daunted by her enormous year ahead. Not only will the 17-year-old complete her Higher School Certificate, but she will travel around the world to compete in qualification events in her quest to wear the green and gold at the Olympics in sailing.

“I am studying advanced english, advanced maths, physics, engineering and design and technology all through a distance education high school,” Evie said.

“This is great as I can learn and study when I want, fitting it in around my sailing commitments.”

The Sydney-sider gained some invaluable experience over the summer as she competed in an Ilca 6, a single handed dinghy, at Sail Sydney, the national championships and Sail Melbourne.

“The conditions were super tough at Sail Sydney,” Evie said of the regatta that took place on Sydney harbour in late December.

“There was a southerly blowing all week, but it was a good regatta to build up the fitness and endurance before the nationals in January.

“There was good competition on the podium and I finished third. I was really happy with the result.”

Sailing in the nationals out of Georges River Sailing Club in early January, Evie finished first in the U19 and U21 age divisions and ninth out of 83 competitors in the opens.

“It was a good regatta to build up the confidence and know I have the year under control,” she said.

“I am looking to step up to the next level to beat the girls in the opens, especially the international competitors who competed at the event.”

Following the nationals, Evie competed at Sail Melbourne where a wide range of conditions challenged most of the competitors.

“There were some super hot days like 40 degrees with strong off shore winds and we had to stay hydrated with slushies.

“The last day was raining and really cold with big waves coming in from the south.”

The teenager was happy with her results, despite receiving a black flag on the last day for breaking the start line.

“My goal coming out of Sydney and into Melbourne was to start well and not lose any distance at the start, which I did for all days except one.”

The NSWIS scholarship holder is now back in Sydney, training while organising her school books, before she travels overseas for the Olympic qualification events.

“I’m off to Mallorca at the start of April for a world cup event where I want to gain more experience among the international fleet and improve my general strength and fitness.

Frances Cordaro, NSWIS