After a fantastic three days on the water, the Coaching Clinic portion of the 2024 Zhik Youth Sail New South Wales event wrapped up today on Lake Macquarie.

Allowing 120 sailors on more than 100 boats to connect and train together, the Coaching Clinic saw all 12 classes take to the water ahead of the three-day Youth Championships set to follow from tomorrow.

For Isabella Holdsworth from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, receiving tailored WASZP coaching over the last three days has been an opportunity she wont forget anytime soon.

“I’ve learnt so much this week, it’s been great,” said Holdsworth.

“We’ve had Brin [Liddell] as our coach and that has been amazing, we’ve been asking him so many questions about the Olympics and the pathway he took to get there which has been super helpful.

“Some other things I’ve really enjoyed about the Coaching Clinic are seeing all my sailing friends again and also getting to work on my skills every day,” she said.

The Zhik Youth Sail New South Wales event has experienced remarkable growth across a range of classes this year, and the foiling classes are no exception.

“Foiling is very fun, you get to go very fast,” said Holdsworth.

“When you’re actually foiling the best part is the rush you get from going fast - it makes it so fun and enjoyable to be on the water, but I think the best part about it is the community in the class, everyone’s friends and willing to help each other out.”

Dante Olivieri has been coaching the iQFOiL and Wing Foil boards this week and says the the opportunity to have so many talented and determined athletes in one place is fantastic.

“The kids have been the best part of the week for sure - they’re all keen, enthusiastic and willing to learn,” said Olivieri.

“I’m loving that energy and seeing first-hand how fast the sport is growing in Australia - it’s only new but it’s already evolving.

“I hope the sailors leave this event having had fun. Fun is number one for me, so if you’ve had fun, you’ve won.

“I also hope they learn that everyone has their own style and their own way of doing things and that if they can find their niche, they can excel in the sport,” he said.

Teralba Amaetur Sailing Club is hosting this year's event from Wednesday 2 to Monday 7 October.

The Coaching Clinic portion of the event finished today, with the Youth Championships set to follow from tomorrow through Monday.

For more information on the event, click here.

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