RPAYC Youth Sailors Shine at Zhik Youth Sail NSW
RPAYC’s junior and youth sailors were out in force at the 2026 Zhik Youth Sail NSW, proudly representing the Club and achieving some fantastic results across the fleet.
Hosted by Toronto Amateur Sailing Club and held on Lake Macquarie during the Spring School Holidays from September 30 to October 5, this event brought together young sailors from across New South Wales and Australia for a week of learning, friendship and competition.
A three-day coaching clinic, led by some of the state’s most experienced youth sailing coaches, gave local sailors the opportunity to develop their skills before putting them into practice over three days of championship racing.
On Thursday 1st October after sailing, Paris 2024 Olympic Sailors, Rhiannan Brown and Brin Liddell, shared their sailing story and experiences competing at the highest level.
Participants also heard from Emma Webb, who represented Australia at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in the Nacra 15.
For RPAYC’s young sailors, the week offered much more than a chance to compete. It was an opportunity to build confidence, learn alongside their peers and strengthen friendships within the wider sailing community.
Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Award
Australian Sailing has recently launched of the new Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Award, a values-based recognition program that will be presented at all Zhik Youth Sail events.
The Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Award celebrates youth sailors who demonstrate outstanding character both on and off the water, recognising not just how they race, but how they treat others, respond to challenges, and contribute to the sailing community. This year they thank their long standing sponsor in Ronstan for providing their Clearstart watches as prizes across the events. More information about the award can be found here.
RPAYC youth sailor Ebba Nixey was recognised with the Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Award at the recent Zhik Youth Sail NSW event, following an outstanding display of sportsmanship and compassion on the water.
During racing, Ebba noticed another young sailor in distress. Rather than simply continuing with her race, she turned back to check on the sailor and stayed long enough to make sure they were okay before resuming racing and completing her race.
It was a small moment in the context of a busy regatta, but one that demonstrated something much bigger. Ebba put the wellbeing of another competitor ahead of her own race result, showing compassion, empathy and sportsmanship when it mattered. She then showed resilience and determination by returning to the course and finishing her race.
Race officials subsequently awarded Ebba redress, restoring her position in recognition of the time she had lost while assisting the other sailor.
Ebba’s actions were a wonderful example of exactly what Australian Sailing’s new Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Award was created to recognise.
While sailing naturally celebrates results, speed and success, moments like this are an important reminder that the qualities developed through our sport extend well beyond the racecourse.
Ebba demonstrated that being a great sailor is also about looking out for others, making good decisions under pressure and having the strength to continue when the race doesn’t go quite as planned.
Congratulations Ebba – a very deserving recipient and a wonderful reflection of the spirit of youth sailing at RPAYC.
And congratulations to all RPAYC sailors who took part! It is wonderful to see such strong Club representation at this major youth sailing event, with enthusiastic participation and impressive performances to celebrate. Thank you to the coaches, families and supporters who help our young sailors make the most of these opportunities.
Class RPAYC Sailors
ILCA 4
- 26th – Clifford Gates
Int 29er
- 10th – Rosa Crawford
Int 420
- 1st – Victoria Lin & Annabelle Sampson
- 2nd – Aaveer Patil-Chaudhari & Olivia Lee
- 3rd – Gary Zhu & Darcy Miles
Optimist Intermediate
- 13th – Sienna Murray
- 17th – Ebba Nixey
- 28th – Olivia Dorling
Optimist Open
- 10th – Jayden Wang
- 32nd – Lavinia Liu
- 33rd – Hamilton Zhao
- 38th – Oliver Sun
- 48th – Courtney Harrison
- 53rd – Bono Svacek
- 57th – Willow Murray
- 74th – Lara Dorling
WASZP
- 1st – Will Troop
- 2nd – Louis Tilly
- 4th – Oliver Ross
- 5th – Charlie Snell
Report: RPAYC. Photos: Zhik Youth Sail NSW 2026 courtesy Toronto Amateur Sailing Club/ Australian Sailing - NSW & ACT