Interstate Travel from WA to NSW, VIC and QLD to compete at 

Sail Sydney, Sail Melbourne, Sail Brisbane and ILCA 6 Nationals

Background to why we are fundraising:

I had eagerly anticipated participating in my first ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7) Australian National Laser Championships in WA in 2022. However, it was postponed in WA due to the pandemic, with no future events scheduled in our region. In 2024 this has not changed.

This situation means that WA sailors have missed out on hosting these national championships for a decade, as they historically rotated among different states: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA.

Why I need your help:

I achieved 5th place overall (2nd Under 19) at the last Australian Nationals now I am working towards improving that result. However, as a West Australian athlete, there is a geographic disadvantage that is actually a financial disadvantage to compete interstate; the costs to charter boats and for airfares alone for these 4 trips is over $10,000 - half of which was charter fees alone but you need a boat to sail in! So instead, my single parent decided to invest in my future with a near new boat - but this is an incredible financial burden. Not to mention the additional challenge of not having the opportunity to compete in your hometown at a national event for a decade.

Therefore, I'm reaching out for your potential support. The expenses for travelling from WA to:

• 2024 Sail Sydney
• 2024 Sail Melbourne
• Sail Brisbane and
• 2024 Australian National ILCA (Laser) Championships in Queensland far exceeds $15,000 with a near new boat in the mix too.

So why support me?

I am a focused and dedicated sailor. Committed to improving on my results to be the best I can be as an athlete and as a person. I have been documenting my sailing story on my blog for many years: charlesallentoyn.blog Plus, I really enjoy sharing all my knowledge and experiences with the young beginner sailors that I coach twice a week at my local club.

Here are my recent sailing results for the 23/24 and 22/23 seasons, highlighting my dedication and commitment to the sport.

For the 24/25 season:

• 1st place Sail Freo
• 7th place in the WA Youth State Championships in ILCA 6

For the 23/24 season:

• 5th place (2nd Under 19) in the 2024 Australian National ILCA (Laser) Championships
• ILCA 6 Champion and Dinghy club member of the year at Fremantle Sailing Club
• 3rd ILCA 6 at Royal Freshwater Bay Sailing Club
• 4th Victorian State Championships
• 1st Easter regatta at Mandurah Offshore Sailing Club
• 6th WA State Championships
• 2nd place (1st among West Australians) in the WA Youth State Championships in ILCA 6

For the 22/23 season:

• 10th place in the Silver fleet (82) overall at the ILCA 4 Worlds Youth Championships 2023 in Greece
• 7th place in the Australian Nationals ILCA 4
• Invitation and acceptance into the 2022 WA Sailing Squad
• Participation in First Sail Freo 2022 and 2023 in ILCA 4
• Two-time champion in the WA Youth State Championships in 2022 and 2021 in ILCA 4
• Winner of the Winter Huck Scott Series 2022 and 2021 in ILCA 4

For the 21/22 Summer season:

• 1st place in the youth state championships in September 2021
• 2nd place for Sail Freo in October 2021
• 1st place in the International Class Regatta in December 2021
• 1st place in the Goolangatup Sailing Carnival in January 2022

What will your support cover?

The costs for this journey including a near-new ILCA transported for me to sail in NSW, VIC and Queensland, flights for me to travel to each event and accommodation during the championship.

Please note that these costs do not cover living expenses such as food and local transportation, potential gear damage during the competition, registration fees, sailing membership fees, sailing coaching fees, or maintenance of my existing boat and sailing gear.

I am supported by a single parent who bears the financial responsibility for my sailing endeavours on a single (temporarily part-time) income. Although we have received some support from friends and family, the financial burden remains significant. I believe that instead of seeking a handout, many people are inspired to provide a young person with a hand up.

Therefore, I'm reaching out to you for a helping hand. While I work part-time as a sailing coach, my limited availability due to being in Year 12 makes it challenging to contribute significantly to this trip.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to compete in my hometown at a national championship, I prefer to focus on the opportunities this situation presents. This experience allows me to learn how to fundraise for my sailing career, which I hope will take me to championships across Australia and the world. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I'm determined to pursue my dream of becoming a world-class athlete.

Can you assist me in reaching NSW, VIC and QLD between November 2024 and January 2025 to compete?

If you have the capacity to help, please choose a donation level that suits you. Every dollar will bring me one step closer to realising my dream of competing at a national level in January 2025. Thank you for your support; it is genuinely appreciated.

Please note, any funds received through sporting grants are included in the total tally of this fundraiser.