Two lucky winners from the Sunshine Coast recently had the Discover Sailing experience of a lifetime – learning to sail with Australian Sailing Hall of Fame Inductee, Jessica Watson OAM.

Picked from amongst 500 entrants, Amanda and Bridoen won the opportunity of learning to sail a Hanse 400E keelboat at Mooloolaba Yacht Club with Jessica on hand to assist.

“I enjoyed every second of the experience, from the minute we left until the minute we got back,” said Amanda.

“We left out through the river and went out to sea, and it was great to learn all about putting the sails up and down and tacking. It was really cool to feel the movement of the boat and learn how it all works.

Left to Right: Bridoen, Jessica and Amanda out on the water

Having the 2011 Young Australian of the Year join them on their first Discover Sailing course was something the friends will never forget.

“Jess was amazing, she was super easy to talk to and very down-to-earth,” continued Amanda. “The club and its members were very helpful, and Eamon the Instructor was lovely - the whole experience was fantastic.

“I would definitely recommend to anyone that they do a Discover Sailing course, it felt very freeing to be out on the water and it was great to experience the elements firsthand.”

Amanda, Bridoen and Jessica with Mooloolaba Yacht Club representatives Kerri, Ian and David

If you are interested in learning to sail, visit the Discover Sailing website here to find an upcoming course near you.

Australian Sailing would like to extend our thanks to Jessica Watson, Ian Griffiths, Eamon Kriz and the Mooloolaba Yacht Club for their involvement.