by Yaeesh Collins, iol.co.za

South Africa’s sailing community has an opportunity to gain international attention after the Little Optimist Trust was named a finalist for the 2026 World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Impact Award.

The Cape Town organisation is one of four finalists for the award, which recognises projects using sailing to create social and environmental impact. The outcome will be decided by a combination of public voting and an expert panel.

While the nomination is for the trust’s work, it also raises a broader question for sailing in South Africa: who gets access to a sport often seen as expensive, specialised and out of reach for many young people?

Founder Greg Bertish said the recognition offered a chance to show how sailing can be used beyond competition and recreation.

“This is an enormous honour, not just for The Little Optimist Trust, but for South Africa. We have an opportunity to put our country on the map and show the world how sailing can change lives.”

Bertish said that the aim was not only to win an international prize, but to encourage a more inclusive future for the sport.

“More importantly, we want to help change the face of sailing worldwide, making it a sport that welcomes, inspires and empowers young people from every background.”

A sport with barriers to entry

South Africa has a strong sailing tradition, from ocean racing and yacht clubs to competitive dinghy sailing. But participation can depend heavily on access to equipment, coaching, safe water spaces and clubs — all of which can be costly or geographically inaccessible.

That makes initiatives focused on youth access important to the sport’s long-term future.

Sailing requires technical knowledge, physical confidence and safety training, but it can also develop teamwork, decision-making and resilience.

For many newcomers, the first barrier is simply getting on the water.

Boats, marina access and formal lessons are not readily available in many communities, particularly those far from established sailing clubs and waterfront facilities.

The Little Optimist Trust uses sailing as part of programmes aimed at young people from marginalised communities and those facing health challenges.

It describes its work as combining sailing therapy, inclusion, education and skills development.

The trust operates a sailing academy at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and says it has run programmes at other sites around South Africa.

More than competitive sailing

The award nomination brings attention to a side of sailing that receives less public visibility than major regattas, ocean races and professional competition.

For participants, sailing can offer an introduction to the sea and water safety, as well as practical experience in reading wind conditions, handling a boat and working with others.

For organisations using the sport in development programmes, the focus is often less on producing elite sailors than on making the water a place where young people can learn and build confidence.

The Little Optimist Trust says its sailing programmes are “intended for vulnerable children, including those who are economically marginalised or have compromised health.”

International recognition

The Trust is competing against finalists from the United States, Germany and India.

The significance of the nomination lies partly in visibility. A win would not resolve the structural barriers that limit access to sailing, but it could draw attention to South African efforts to make the sport more open and socially relevant.

For Bertish, the central message is that sailing should not be defined only by who can afford to take part.

The award’s final result is expected to be determined equally by public voting and an expert panel. 

How to Vote for South Africa

1. Visit the official World Sailing Awards 2026 page.
2. Follow the voting link and select The Little Optimist Trust (RSA).
3. Submit your vote before 2pm on Monday, November 2, 2026.
4. Share the campaign with friends, family, colleagues and your social networks.