Sailing opens up new horizons for youngster

When she’s out on the water she feels free.

These are the sentiments of Helen Jansen van Vuuren (13) when she speaks about sailing.

The Laerskool Delville Grade Seven learner and Lambton resident took up the sport three-and-a-half years ago and is already starting to make a name for herself.

She is a member of the Victoria Lake Club (VLC) in both the sailing and canoeing sections.

Although she has not been paddling for very long she recently achieved her first medal in the school’s league.

Sailing, however, is her passion and she recently competed in the Optimist African Championships in Alexandria in Egypt.

The regatta ran from June 29 until July 6 and competitors had to sail in 10 races.

The youngster came 47th overall but knows she will only get better.

Last year she competed in the same competition but it was held in Angola.

In order to compete Jansen van Vuuren had to qualify by doing two provincial, one national and one selection regatta.

In the national event she came 12th overall and in the selection event, she came eighth.

Now Jansen van Vuuren is getting ready for her next big challenge.

“I will be going to England to compete in the British Nationals from July 24 to 26 and thereafter the Mirror Worlds which takes place from July 27 to August 6,” she said.

“I am really excited about it.

“Sailing is certainly giving me the opportunity to travel the world.”

In England Jansen van Vuuren will be crewing for Grant Ekermans (skipper).

“We have raced together before,” Jansen van Vuuren said.

“Last year we took part in both a provincial and a national regatta and came fourth in both so we are looking forward to competing in England.”

Jansen van Vuuren is supported by her parents John and Beth and her older brothers Jason (28) and Daymin (24).

With her out on the water and out of sight Beth said it is hard on the nerves as you cannot keep your eye on her all the time and she worries.

John added that the travelling is also nerve-wracking as sometimes it is difficult to stay in contact with their daughter.

The couple is extremely proud of her achievements.

When she is not out on the water Jansen van Vuuren also enjoys playing netball.

She plans to continue sailing and one day get her skipper’s licence.

“I want to sail different yachts in different oceans,” she said.

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