Hi, I’m Addi Heatley. I am an ILCA-4 (Laser 4.7) sailor from Mandurah, Western Australia looking for your partnership and support as I compete at the 2024 ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7) Youth World Championships in Vina do Castelo Portugal in June 2024.

Just over 18 months ago, when I moved into the ILCA (laser) class, I could have never imagined the opportunities that would await.  From learning a whole new boat to being selected to representing my state as part of the inaugural ILCA solidarity program at the 2023 Australian ILCA Championships in Sydney to returning to the National stage at the 2024 Oceania & Australian ILCA Championships to now qualifying and selected to represent Australia at the 2024 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships, in Viana do Castelo, June of 2024!

Since joining the ILCA-4 class I have worked to be on the water as much as I can. I have continued to sail at and represent at my home club, Mandurah offshore Fishing and Sailing Club, and at my “City” club, Royal Perth Yacht Club where I train, compete, and hold the position of JR. Dinghy Captain. I have competed in every major regatta in WA, improving my position in the final standing, but most importantly learning something new at each opportunity.

As this season started, the calendar was filled with training, club events, coaching, regattas, all with the major goal of representing Australia at the 2024 ILCA 4 Youth Championship in Portugal.

I am extremely excited to say, with a 1^st place finish at the WA ILCA State Championships and a 5^th Place finish at the Oceania & Australian ILCA National Championships in the female fleets, I have qualified and been selected to join the Australian team to sail at 2024 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships, in Viana do Castelo, June of 2024!. With only the top 140 Girls (260Boys) being selected from around the world to compete at this regatta, this is an amazing honour.

Firstly, I want to thank those again who supported me to attend the Nationals in Adelaide this past January. Your partnership got me there so I could qualify for this opportunity.

For Worlds, there is a bit of funding that I can and have applied for but estimated expenses for this event is around $12,000-$15,000AUD. Unfortunately, as sailing is not one of the big money sports any expense is the responsibility of sailor to cover with donations, sponsorships, grants or out of pocket.

We are also limited in that sailing a bit of an individual sport and not done as a team per say, so there is no “traditional” fundraising like selling chocolate or working the Bunnings sausage sizzle.

With this in mind, I am seeking donations to assist with the costs of getting to and attending this event. 

Any donations will go to helping with airfare (For me – Mom will pay her own way) , accommodation, charter (hire) of a boat in Portugal, entry fee to the regatta, on water support, Coaching, Insurance, etc.  

My goal for fundraising for this event is $10,000 AUD, but any financial support would be greatly appreciated!

Furthermore, Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible through this fundraising campaign with the Australian Sports Foundation. 

I am truly grateful for all the love and encouragement I have received along my journey thus far. Thank you for considering supporting me as I look to take on the World in Portugal!

Thank you!

Addi