Top three sailing accomplishments:
- 2022 Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta - 420 winner
- 2021 420 National Champions
- 2020 Secondary Schools keel boat National Champions
Q & A with Sam
How did you get into sailing?
I was playing junior cricket, let's just say I wasn’t a star performer. My parents suggested I give sailing a go, I loved it from the minute I hopped into that plastic learn to sail opti.
What is your favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
My Dads homemade lasagne.
Where is your favourite place to sail?
Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch. The NE coming down the harbour is just wicked
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not sailing?
The excitement and adrenaline I get from cycling in a criterium event.
Who are your role models?
Sam Meech, I remember hearing him talk at AIMs games, which was my first sailing regatta. He had just won his Olympic Bronze medal.
Henry Haslett, he inspires me to the best in 420 sailing.
What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
The strong competition and the banter between mates.
What do you hope to achieve in sailing in the upcoming year?
Be within the top 3 at youth world champs and to gain experience in the 470 both in NZ and overseas.
How will you prepare for the Youth Sailing World Championships and which regattas will you be attending in the lead-up?
We will have a strong training plan for both on and off the water training, utilising every opportunity to the best of our abilities.
We still have Nationals in NZ to compete in and then we hope to attend Kiel Week in Germany in the lead up to the youth worlds.
What do you hope to achieve in your sailing career?
To go to the Olympic Games and to keep sailing until I am at least 60.
What was the proudest moment of your sailing to date, and tell us how you felt?
When Lucas and I won the 2021 NZ Nationals after a very close battle throughout the year with the other teams and everything pieced together an almost perfect regatta.
Teammate: Lucas Day
