Issue date
Both from the Napier Sailing Club Olivia Mackay and Abby Goodwin are an experienced and talented team that will represent New Zealand in the NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team for the second consecutive year.
At the 2013 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in Cyprus the girls placed 6th overall and have since continued their sailing partnership going on to earn selection into the team again this year convincingly. Two-time National Champions in the 420 in 2013 and 2014, they were second overall behind boy’s crew Sam Barnett and Zak Merton at 2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland.
At this year’s RYA Youth National Championships Olivia and Abby were 3rd female crew in the 44-strong 420 fleet.
This year Olivia has been based in Auckland while Abby completes her final year at school in Napier requiring a much more planned approach to training and preparation.
Olivia says, “The distance between us has been the hardest part, but considering its winter we’ve been going out roughly three times a week.”
“Abby and I have got a lot more experience under our belts and now we know what to expect. We’re going there to get on the podium.”
Q&A with Abby Goodwin
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: My family - they all used to sail when I was younger
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Hot Milo
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Napier
Q: Which New Zealand sailors do you admire most?
A: Jo and Polly
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
A: The opportunities to travel overseas and compete
Q: How will you prepare for the Youth Worlds and which regattas will you be attending in the lead-up?
A: Training in Auckland during the weekends and lots of fitness
Q: What was the most proud moment of your sailing to date, and tell us how you felt?
A: Winning the Nationals in 2013 and really happy that all the hard work paid off
