Meet Reid Martin, an 11-year-old sailing prodigy from Bowen, North Queensland, who’s making a splash in the Optimist class with his talent and drive!

Reid’s big break came at the 2024 Optimist Australian Championships, where his standout performance earned him a spot on the Australian Optimist Development Squad (AODS). He carried that momentum into the 2024 season, securing 2nd place at the QLD Youth Championships and 3rd at the QLD State Championships in the Open Fleet. In October, with AODS, Reid took on the world at the 16th Eastern Seaboard Regatta in Pattaya, Thailand, finishing as the top Under-12 sailor and the highest-placed Australian in the Gold Fleet—a thrilling international achievement.

Reid started 2025 strong at the Musto Australian Optimist Championships, held at RQYS in Manly, QLD. Racing against Australia’s best junior sailors, he placed 8th overall in the Gold Fleet—an impressive feat in a stacked field—and once again claimed 1st Under-12 sailor. This double success secured him a spot on the Australian Optimist Sailing Team (AOST), selected to represent Australia at the 2025 European Championships in Turkey. At just 11, Reid is proving he’s a force on both national and global stages!

Reid’s sailing story began at age five at the Port Denison Sailing Club, where he first took the helm of an Optimist dinghy. His record is packed with wins: consecutive Queensland State Championship Intermediate titles in 2021 and 2022, 2nd overall in the Intermediate Fleet at the 2023 Australian Championships, and his stellar 2024 season leading to AODS. From Thailand’s waters to Turkey’s horizon, Reid’s rise is unstoppable.

But these accomplishments come with a hefty price. International competition—from Thailand to Turkey—requires funding for flights, accommodation, charter boats, coaching fees, training camps and team uniforms, etc. Living in regional Bowen, Reid and his family face steep travel costs to keep him at this elite level. That’s why we’re launching this fundraising campaign to support his journey.

Your help can make waves:

• $50 helps toward AUS Team uniform costs.
• $150 supports travel to an AOST training camp.
• $300 brings him closer to chartering a boat for the European Championships.
• $500 helps with flights & accommodation in Turkey.
• Every dollar fuels his dreams!
• Any amount will make a difference!

Follow Reid’s inspiring journey on social media—search “Reid Martin Sailing” on Facebook and Instagram for updates on his training, race victories, and travels. Share this post with your network to build a crew cheering him on!

Reid’s not just sailing for himself—he’s carrying the pride of Bowen, Queensland, and Australia to the world. Fresh off his latest triumphs and with Turkey ahead, this 11-year-old is chasing Olympic-sized goals. Donate today and help Reid soar at the 2025 European Championships—thank you for being part of his crew!