Let your dreams set sail
Matthew's ongoing dedication and commitment to his sailing are evident, and he is well recognised at club, provincial and national level.
Former Ashton College learner Matthew Inglis (18) started sailing at the age of seven with his stepdad, Brian and did his first formal training with coach Peter Clayton of Sail Benoni at nine years old before officially joining the Benoni Sailing Club (BSC) in 2011.
He has been racking up achievements ever since.
“Sailing is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime with the potential to be an extremely complex and competitive sport,” said Matthew.
This Rynfield resident is proud of what he has accomplished.
• Representing South Africa by qualifying and competing in World Championships in Poland in 2015.
“Matthew has been selected to represent South Africa twice internationally at the Optimist World’s as an optimist sailor as a youngster,” said Sharon Inglis, Matthew’s mother.
• Ranked the number one Laser Radial sailor in the country.
Moving up to the laser class, Matthew has successfully and consistently excelled at a club, provincial and national level.
“He was ranked the highest Northern Region Laser sailor in 2018 and 2019. He placed third in December 2019 at Youth Nationals on a laser radial and was thus the highest Northern Region sailor at Junior Nationals in 2019,” Sharon explained.
• Winning two J22 Youth National Championships.
“Matthew skippered the winning boat at J22 Junior nationals in 2018 and 2019, thus winning two consecutive years. He then crewed for J22 Senior Nationals twice, placing second both times with Rob Wilcox as the skipper in 2017 and 2019,” she said.
The born and bred Benonian is studying electronic engineering at the University of Pretoria. Sailing has always been a hobby. He hasn’t stopped competing for the Benoni Sailing Club, winning the title of Junior Sailor of the Year for the past four years.
“I am an active regular participant in club champion regattas and won the Autumn Grand Slam at BSC in 2020,” he explained.
“One of my fondest memories of sailing is the final day of the 2015 World Championships in Poland. After a long day of racing on the Baltic Sea, we sailed back to the harbour as the sun was setting. I will never forget the view that night.”
According to his mother, Matthew’s ongoing dedication and commitment to his sailing are evident, and he is well recognised at the club, provincial and national levels.
“Sailing is an experience like no other. It is both fun and exciting for people of all ages. No matter what you are looking for, sailing has something for everyone,” concluded Matthew.
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