Top-three sailing accomplishments
Completing all four races on the first day of Sail Sydney in 20+ knots in the Optimist open class when I was 9... and going on to be the No 1-ranked NZ Opti sailor by 12.
Winning the P Class nationals, the Tauranga Cup.
Making history by winning all 12 races of the 2023 420 NZ national championships.
How did you get into sailing?
When I was 5, my older brother took me sailing and I enjoyed it. I learned to sail myself in the Murrays Bay Sailing Club Learn to Sail programme when I was 8.
What is your favourite food after a long day on the water?
A Mr Whippy ice cream or a chicken panini from the café across the road from Murrays Bay Sailing Club.
Where is your favourite place to sail?
Muscat, Oman or off Murrays Bay in a 12-knot north easterly on a hot summer day after school.
What is your favourite thing to do when not sailing?
Play other sports like cricket, rugby and hockey or go fishing, play the piano or read.
Who are your role models?
Kane Williamson, because he is a good guy and is always humble and is a good sportsman when defeated. Andy Maloney, as he kept trying to make the Olympics and when he didn't make the Tokyo Olympics he still coached Josh Junior to help his mate succeed.
What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
I like the complexity of the 420 and the number of things I learn that benefit me in the future classes I will sail.
What was the proudest moment of your sailing to date?
Winning the P Class nationals after losing the Tanner Cup on the last race the day before the nationals started (and getting a DSQ in the first race). I felt huge pride as all I wanted to do was win the nationals as it was my last P Class nationals. To come back from a disappointing start seemed unrealistic to me after the first day or so, so when I won I felt like I could finally relax.
What do you hope to achieve in sailing in the next 12 months?
To be 420 world champion.
How will you prepare for the 2023 youth sailing world championships?
By training with the girls' 420 team and being coached by the great coaches from Yachting New Zealand and Murrays Bay Sailing Club.
What are your sailing career goals?
To be a multiple world champion of any class and win a medal at the Olympics.
Joe Leith. Photo / Adam Mustill Photography