“Over the Easter weekend, from the 17th to the 22nd of April, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in the ILCA 6 Dinghy National Championship—an event that brought together 23 of South Africa’s most skilled sailors. It was an experience I’ll never forget, filled with long travels, tough conditions, and memorable moments on and off the water.

The journey began with a two-day trek from Cape Town to the regatta venue. By the time we arrived, the excitement was high, but Mother Nature had other plans. Day 1 of racing was a complete blowout, with winds gusting over 30 knots. The race officer made the wise decision to cancel the day’s events for safety reasons.

Day 2 arrived with heavy winds and swells reaching up to 4–5 metres. We managed to squeeze in four races in tricky conditions, with the wind shifting from all directions. It was raw, challenging sailing—the kind that demands your full focus and reminds you why you love this sport. The 23 boats fought fiercely for the top spots, and I gave it everything I had.

Day 3 started under pouring rain, making it a miserable and wet morning, but I was determined to make it count. That day turned out to be one of my best performances yet—I placed 4th in one of the races, my best finish of the event. The day ended with the wind completely dropping, cutting the racing short.

Out of six races over three days, I proudly finished 8th overall. In a fleet this competitive, I’m incredibly proud of that result. With more training, dedication, and time on the water, I know I’ll keep climbing the ranks. This regatta was a reminder that the hard work pays off—and that the journey to the top is just as rewarding as the destination.

But this trip was about more than just results. It took a village to make it happen, and I’m endlessly grateful to the people who made it possible.

First, a huge thank you to The Little Optimist Trust. Your support allowed me the chance to take a week off work and pursue my passion. Competing at this level was a dream, and I’ve come away not only a better sailor, but a better person. The lessons I’ve learned over this weekend—about resilience, focus, and teamwork—will carry through into my work at The Little Optimist Sailing Academy, where we empower under-resourced and less fortunate communities through the sport of sailing. Thank you for helping us create real change.

To the Zeekoevlei sailing family and community, thank you for welcoming me so warmly and making my stay away from home such a comfortable one. I felt truly supported and at ease, and that sense of belonging carried me through the weekend.

And finally, my deepest gratitude to the Falcon family—Stefan and Stefania. From getting Elisa and me to the event after two full days of travel, to staying with us through the entire regatta and getting us safely back to Cape Town—your kindness, generosity, and care made all the difference. You turned this regatta into something far more than just a competition—it became a cherished memory. Thank you for everything.

This Easter weekend was a journey—physically, mentally, and emotionally. And I’m walking away from it more inspired than ever to keep sailing, keep pushing, and keep sharing this passion with others.”