Sometimes the best way to improve your skills is to take yourself out of your comfort zone and say ‘Yes!’ to a great opportunity when it presents itself. No-one can attest to the benefits of this lesson more than one of our talented junior sailors, Ayla Barney, over the Christmas/New Year break competed in the 125 National Championships at Darling Point Sailing Club.

Ayla was offered the surprise opportunity to crew for a sailor from Victoria called Jamie – whom she had never met, and on a boat, the 125s, that she had very little experience sailing! Afterwards, Jamie was identified as ‘Jamie Thomson’ a hot-shot sailor that had won the 125 Nationals more times than anyone! Ayla jumped at the offer without any hesitation was thrilled with the opportunity to learn from one of the best.

Despite having just one day to train together before the beginning of the regatta, Jamie and Ayla enjoyed some fantastic moments during the regatta. Between Jamie being a knowledgeable and composed teacher and Ayla a quick learner, they had an exciting win in Heat 4! After 10 races that included numerous awesome rides and lots of new skills gained – Jamie and Ayla impressively took out 4th place overall in the regatta!

Ayla’s biggest takeaway from this experience: “take every opportunity offered and try something new!” She made great friends and loved sailing the 125s.

None of it would have been possible had she not said ‘Yes’ to Jamie’s offer.