Top-three sailing accomplishments
1st at the 2023 NZ youth championships.
1st ILCA 6 youth boy at the 2023 NZ ILCA national championships - and 4th overall.
1st in the gold fleet at the 2023 national secondary schools keelboat championships.
How did you get into sailing?
Sailing is our family sport. We have a keelboat called Playbuoy which is a Stewart 34, so nearly all family summer holidays were and still are away on the boat. We have a Des Townson sailing dinghy, which is my first boat to sail. I started learning to sail at Murrays Bay Sailing Club when I
was 7, progressing through Learn to Sail, Learn to Race and the green and open Optimist fleets. I also had brief seasons in the P Class and Starling and started sailing on the ILCA 6 in 2020.
What is your favourite food after a long day on the water?
Whatever is in the fridge generally.
Where is your favourite place to sail?
Manly in 20-25 knots north-easterlies and big waves.
What is your favourite thing to do when not sailing?
Skiing with my mates, playing rugby, mowing the lawns and being around the ocean.
Who are your role models?
My dad and Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic and passion for the sport.
What is the best thing about sailing in your youth class?
The best thing about the ILCA 6 is how physical the boat is.
What was the proudest moment of your sailing to date?
The proudest moment in my sailing to this date is placing fourth and being the first youth boy at the ILCA national championships at the start of this year. I was also very happy to win 4/5 races at the 2023 NZ youth championships and take out the overall win.
What do you hope to achieve in sailing in the next 12 months?
To improve my light to moderate wind sailing.
How will you prepare for the 2023 youth sailing world championships?
By cutting down to 77kg, focusing on my weak points in my speed and racing/training and joining in with my sister Greta to push myself in the light winds and downwind. Lastly, by making the most of my training with the set time on offer with Tom Saunders and Naiomi [Ferrissey] in preparation for the youth worlds. More time in the boat over a range of conditions will improve my experience and build my confidence for the regatta.
What are your sailing career goals?
Ultimately, to compete in the Olympics, but I'm happy to set smaller goals to get there. A few world champs goals in my class and age bracket is a good start, including these youth worlds, and to place in the top 30 in the ILCA 7 at the under-21 worlds in Portugal next year. I'm also keen to gain experience in other sailing competitions such as The Ocean Race, TP series, and SailGP.
George Pilkington. Photo / Salty Shot Photography