It’s plain sailing for Stephanie

Stephanie Goodyer (18) has sailed in various international and national competitions. This year, her and her skipper, Liam Gunning will set sail in the Youth Sailing World Championships in Poland in July.

The pair had participated in the Dart Nationals where they impressively won the event beating some very experienced adult sailors. They also sailed at the South African Youth Nationals at Stillbaai Yacht Club at the Vaal Dam over December last year. This five-day race saw them face some rough conditions but still, they were victorious, finishing first in their youth category.

The Randburg Sun spoke to Goodyer to find out more about her passion for sailing and what she hoped to achieve through the sport. She started sailing with her dad at an early age, loving weekends away where she could be on the water.

To prepare for the championships, Goodyer and Gunning will train two to three weekends a month until July. Leading up to the big event they participated in the Hobie Tiger Nationals in Langebaan which took place from 21 to 24 March where they placed 14th, sailing against some seasoned sailors. They will soon also participate in the Hobie 16 Nationals in late April.

What has made her stay dedicated to the sport so diligently is the support she has received from fellow competitive sailors. As sailing is a sport for people of all ages, she has made a very large group of friends. The events she has taken part in have also allowed her to visit some amazing countries. Through the sport, she loves she has managed to sail against some the country’s top Hobie sailors such as Blaine Dodds, Shaun Ferry and Colin Whitehead who she said have all been encouraging and supportive of her growth.

Goodyer plans to study conservation in the future and sees her skills with a boat as beneficial for her future career choice.

Related article: 

https://www.citizen.co.za/randburg-sun/357784/replica-ship-titanic-ii-will-now-set-sail-2022/