The 2024 Zhik Youth Sail events are officially in full swing, with said around the country attracting record numbers just months after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Following events in Victoria and the Northern Territory earlier this year, the Queensland edition of the event was the first to take place this September, with a record-breaking 280 sailors, 260 boats and 33 coaches registering to take part in Yeppoon.

The immensely positive six-day event saw sailors from around the country descend on Queensland’s central coast, enjoying quality coaching and competitive racing while making new friendships and strengthening existing ones.

A good time was had by all, with the attendance of Paris 2024 Olympians Grae Morris and Breiana Whitehead only adding to the excitement.

“The week was great, we had some challenging conditions so to see everyone still go out, give it a shot and still be super stoked to be there was awesome,” said Morris, silver medallist from Paris 2024.

“It was 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 Western Australian sailor Noah Karantonis, the opportunity to train with Whitehead at the event is one he will never forget.

“I’m from Jervoise Bay Sailing Club and was invited by the Western Australian Institute of Sport to come 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 were there,” said Karantonis.

“I’ve trained with Shane [Smith] and Breiana [Whitehead] which was amazing. They gave me amazing tips about the gear and how to go faster out on the water - everything they said was so helpful.”

The positive trend continued at 2024 Zhik Youth Sail Western Australia. Also attracting record numbers, particularly in their Green Fleet where they reached complete capacity, the west-coast event showed great promise for the future.

Kate Wearn, General Manager of Australian Sailing WA, said the impressive numbers were testament to the hard work of clubs in regards to their participation programs.

“The Zhik Youth Sail WA event had close to 130 sailors registered across a number of classes, including a record sized Green Fleet of 36 sailors,” said Wearn.

“We welcomed sailors from a number of regions, including a great contingent from Albany and Esperance, and it was a fantastic week including everything from Olympian meet and greet events to guest speakers and of course world class coaching from our team of talented and dedicated Coaches,” she said.

Upcoming Youth Sail events

SA - September 28-October 1, Largs Bay Sailing Club

NSW - October 2-7, Teralba Amateur Sailing Club

TAS - October 10-13, Sandy Bay Sailing Club

To find out more about the 2024 Zhik Youth Sail events, click here.