Young SA sailors geared up to take on the world in Poland

A quartet of young South Africans proudly received their Protea colours, and team kit and are soon to set sail at the Youth World Championships in Gdynia, Poland.

Isabella Wright (Laser Radial girls), Cullen Keytel (Laser Radial boys), Stephanie Goodyer and Liam Gunning (Mixed Multihull) make up the South African team that will represent the country at the prestigious event which takes place from 13 to 20 July. Leading the team will be a man who knows all about the pressures of top-class competition, Rio Olympian Stefano Marcia.

“I am aiming high for these Youth Worlds. My so-called baseline position would be a top 10 but the goal is a medal,” explained 18-year-old Keytel, who is competing at the event for the second time. “My previous regattas will help as I've experienced the same competition which means there will be a sense of belonging at this event. This in turn means that I won't be so shocked or surprised by my fellow competitors’ skill levels and I'll be able to enter the competition level-headed.”

Keytel’s ultimate ambitions in the sport mirror those of many sailors who have first made their mark at the Youth World Championships, such as Britain’s Ben Ainslie and Brazil’s Robert Scheidt. “My ultimate goal in sport is the 2024 Olympics,” explained the Cape Town sailor. Both Ainslie and Scheidt, and many others, first won at youth level and then went on to achieve Olympic gold, while renowned America’s Cup skippers Russell Coutts and Chris Dickson also came through the youth ranks.

Meanwhile, the mixed multihull team’s target may not be quite as lofty just yet. “We are hoping to finish top 15 but we are coming in as the underdogs with only 10 days of training on the Nacra 15. So for us finishing 24 out of 25 will be an achievement,” explained Goodyer. “We are planning on gaining experience and knowledge of this level of competition at this event so we can excel at this level further on in our sailing careers.”

Gunning added: “Our plan is to be competitive but we are happy with wherever we finish. We are sailing on a boat we would have only sailed for 10 days before the event against teams that have trained the entire year.”

The Joburg sailors, who won the Dart 18 Nationals and Hobie 16 Youth Nationals titles together, have great faith in each other’s abilities.

“Liam knows how to tune a boat to ensure we go fast. I focus on the tactical side and I make the calls on when and where to tack and sail. Most of the calls will still be agreed upon by both Liam and I before we carry them out though. Liam also brings out the very competitive side in me and is always encouraging me to give my all and to do my best. I in turn constantly reassure him and help boost his confidence and we both refrain from breaking each other down. This ensures our team strength stays strong and positive,” said 18-year-old Goodyer.

“Dart Nationals was only out first regatta together so winning really gave us a massive confidence boost. Then going into Youth Nationals as underdogs sailing on home water and then winning the event really showed what we are capable of achieving as a team,” added her 16-year-old teammate.

“I know how to make the boat go fast and Steph knows where to go, so together we are the perfect combo.”