Background to why we are fundraising:

Did you know that there is a generation of young WA sailors who will never experience the financial advantages or the advantages of sailing in their home club? Youth athletes in Western Australia face a distinct disadvantage not only due to the substantial costs of travelling interstate but also because we can't sail in our own waters.

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.

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

Why I need your help:

Therefore, I'm reaching out for your support. The expenses for travelling from WA to the 2023 Australian National ILCA (Laser) Championships in SA exceed $7,000.

So why support me?

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

For the 23/24 season:

• 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 include chartering a boat for me to sail in SA, flights for one parent and me to travel to and from SA (as I'm under 18 and require a guardian's presence), 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 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 11 and not yet having my driver's licence makes it challenging to contribute significantly to this trip.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to compete in my hometown at a national level 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 eventually 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 SA in January 2024 to compete?

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings me closer to my goal of competing at a national level in January 2024. Your support would mean the world to me, and I'll keep you updated on the progress of my campaign. Step 1 is making it to SA.

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 2024. Thank you for your support; it is genuinely appreciated.