Returning Home: Recharging for the 2026 Figaro Season
Returning home to where it all started. From the dinghy days at Worser Bay Boating Club to transitioning into keelboats with the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, I recently returned to my roots. My goal was to reconnect with family, friends, and the yachting community to share the journey from those early days to my current projects overseas.
The year 2025 had only one speed: flat out. That is how it felt, at least, bouncing from port to port throughout the year. With the ambitious goals I’ve set for 2026, there is no sign of slowing down. After launching my campaign for the 2026 Figaro season last May, I knew the most grueling leg of the journey would be securing sponsorship. Without a direct path to follow, it is a brutal course paved with more than a few rejections.
A Kiwi Challenge
Because my campaign is a "Kiwi Challenge" to the Figaro Circuit, I planned a last-minute trip back to the country where I was born and raised. This visit was aimed at reconnecting with my home clubs and identifying New Zealand organisations that would be a natural fit for a partnership.
The timing was perfect; the club where it all began for me, Worser Bay Boating Club, was celebrating its centenary weekend. I learned to sail dinghies in that bay, and those years truly sparked my passion for the ocean. I was fortunate enough to be a guest speaker during the club’s Sunday lunch, where I shared the story of my journey toward this current campaign. We have a saying: “The worser the bay, the better the sailing.” I believe that grit still drives me to compete at the highest level today.
Grassroots and Growth
During my time in Wellington, I also returned to the Royal Port Nicolson Yacht Club, a place that was instrumental in my development. I spoke with sailors fresh off a Friday night Rum Race, sharing my belief that grassroots sailing is the essential foundation for young sailors to progress into professionals. It was fantastic to see familiar faces and discuss the technical challenges of the Figaro Class.
However, this trip was about more than just business; it was a chance to refill the "mental health cup" and top off the Vitamin D tanks after several grey months in Brittany, France.
Sailing is a tough sport. It is physically demanding and mentally exhausting. The level of commitment and the sacrifices required are massive parts of the lifestyle that don’t always make the highlight reel. Maintaining a strong mindset is vital, and sometimes, taking a moment to see your "support crew" such as family and friends, makes all the difference in the world. Being based on the other side of the globe has its challenges, but even a brief trip home provides the perspective needed to keep pushing.
The City of Sails
For the final week of my three-week trip, I headed to Auckland. The "City of Sails" is thriving with international marine companies and innovative organisations. I took the initiative to walk into several companies to pitch my campaign and connect with industry leaders. I also met with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Although the scheduled speakers' evening was unfortunately canceled, I was still able to have some productive high-level discussions about the future of the project.
Leaving New Zealand, I feel tanned, refreshed, and more confident than ever. While the search for partners continues, I am eager to get back on the water for several events this year. I am now back in France, training alongside some of the best in the world and prepping for an exciting racing season.
There is more news to come soon. Let’s get sailing.