Reid Martin is an 11yr old Optimist Sailor from Bowen, North Queensland.

He's a young athlete with big ambitions, and the ability & determination to achieve them.

It's been a great start to 2024 for Reid and we're excited to share that, based on his excellent results at this year's Australian Optimist Championships, Reid has been selected in the Australian Optimist Development Squad (AODS).

Qualifying for AODS was a goal that Reid set for himself in 2023 and we are thrilled with his effort & determination to achieve this milestone already.

The squad usually competes at the New Caledonia Ludik Cup, SRC-Noumea, New Caledonia in October. However, due to the recent civil unrest in Noumea, the fallback option is to compete at the Singapore National Sailing Championship, Singapore 28 Aug - 1 Sep.

Team members must also attend an Australian Optimist Sailing Team training camp as a compulsory pre-requisite to attending an international event. The camp is being held at Georges River 16' Sailing Club, Sydney 12-14 July.

Reid's sailing calendar is stacked for the remainder of 2024 and the international championship is not the only event he's focused on. His schedule follows:

• QLD Youth Week Regatta & Training Camp - Brisbane July 1-7.
• AODS Training Camp - Sydney July 12-14.
• *Singapore National Championships Aug 28 - Sep 1.
• QLD Youth Championships & Training Camp - Yeppoon Sep 16-21.
• *Ludik Cup, Noumea, New Caledonia - Oct 8-13.
• QLD Optimist State Titles - Brisbane Dec 7-8.
• 2025 Australian Optimist Championships - Brisbane Jan 2025.

Obviously, there are significant costs involved to travel & compete at National and International sailing events. Costs include flights & accommodation for Training Camps and Regattas, registration & entry fees, Coaching fees, charter boat fees, mandatory team uniforms etc.

Living in a regional town like Bowen makes travel costs even higher.

Major sailing regattas are mostly held in metropolitan areas or cities but that shouldn't prevent talented young sailors the opportunity to participate & compete. Kids from regional areas should not be disadvantaged because of where they live.

Being selected for AODS is an amazing opportunity for Reid to represent his country as an Australian Squad member. It's also a chance to develop as an athlete & sailor.

We are kindly asking for donations to assist with costs for Reid to train & compete internationally with AODS, as well as at state & national optimist regattas.

Any financial assistance is greatly appreciated & we value your help & support.

@ReidMartinSailing-1728