Meet Helen Jansen Van Vuuren!

“ When sailing I feel independent and free. This is my happy place where my world does not come to an end, but rather the challenges presented to myself, equipment and the natural elements. I enjoy competing in regattas, this brings in my competitive nature which is a different element on its own and really ups the adrenaline flow when competing against fellow sailors. Sailing has taught me a lot regarding self-discipline and sportsmanship. Furthermore, sailing has taught myself life lessons for my future, and I’ve made friends around the globe.

“My first sailing experience was as crew with my uncle, in Sept 2013 in the Mirror Nationals at the Vaal dam. That was all it took and the sailing bug had bitten. I joined Victoria Lake Sailing Club. Under the watchful eye of my coach Shellee Nel, I started sailing Oppies. At my second Youth Nationals at Wiggleswade in 2015, I placed as 1st girl. Thereafter, I was selected to represent SA at the African Championship on two occasions, Angola 2016 and Egypt 2017. In the Mirror class I’ve also represent SA at two Mirror Worlds, 2015 Theewaters and 2017 at Restronguet Sailing Club near Falmouth in Cornwall, UK. At the end of 2017 my dad bought me a laser, which only came with a Radial and full rig sail. Since then I’ve been competing in the laser class and whenever I get the opportunity, I’ll crew on keel boats, mainly L26 and J22, this I find very beneficial as there is so much to learn and grasp from all the experience of the skippers and crew. ”

Helen is a unique kind athlete who not only prides herself in sailing and academics but has also championed canoeing! In 2018, Helen alongside coach Richard Cele, took first place in the mixed doubles category when competing in the Klip to Vaal River Race. At the annual prize-giving, held in Benoni on November 4, she took first place in the u-14 girls’ category with 162 points. Additionally, she won Top Paddler of the Year in the K1 category and the award for most improved female for the year. Helens determination to participate in all aspects of canoeing shows no limits.

Helen has recently participated in the International Canoe Federation Sprint event – 2021 ICF Canoe Sprint Junior & U23 World Championships in September, in Montemor-O-Velho Portugal where Helen ended ninth in the Junior 1000m K1 B Final. Helen then followed by participating in the Olympic Hopes Regatta, which took place in Racice, Czech Republic. Helen rose to the occasion and achieved good positions in the various races she competed in, managing to make it to the Semi Finals and finals, and gained extensive experience in international racing etiquette and enriching her for the experience! ““When I first took up canoeing I capsized quite a few times during training. But, despite all the difficulties, I really enjoyed the sport and was determined to become better at it”.

Helens Sailing Achievements:

- 2019 Youth Nationals Theewaters - Result 5th ILCA 6 and 1st youth girl

- Laser Nationals Durban - 11th ILCA 6, 1st youth girl

- North Region Provincial Championship - Result 5th ILCA 6, 1st youth girl

- Mirror North Region Provincial Victoria Lake - Result 5th

- 2020 Laser Nationals and Youth Nationals Still Baai - Result 11th ILCA 6, 2nd youth girl.

- North Region Provincial Championship Aoelians - Result 4th ILCA 7, 1st youth girl

- 2021 Western Cape Championship Hermanus – Result 7th ILCA 6, 1st youth girl

- Laser Nationals Algoa Bay – Result 10th ILCA 6 and 1st youth girl.