Preparation for major sailing competitions: Young athletes trained by experienced veterans

The summer sailing season has been busy: it included the 505 KZN Regionals, a very successful MSC Week, and now another two dozen small Olympic class racing yachts will head out to sea for three days of intense and exciting yachting. The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is one of the most popular yachts in the world.

Since one-third of the fleet participants are young, rising stars making their way in this predominantly male sport, there is a particular focus on young talents like Daniela Cantarelli from Carlhof, who has been involved in sailing for almost ten years.

Cantarelli became the first young woman in the national ILCA competitions held in Langebaan during the feast of St. John. She shared her impressions: 'ILCA was my focus this year; it has always been my favorite yacht. I was very proud of myself at the National Championships; I really pushed myself to stay out in rougher weather and felt immense gratitude for the opportunity and support that helped me cope!'

As a student in the Matriculant course at St John’s DSG, Cantarelli finds time for her hobby despite her studies. She noted: 'Besides the national championships, I participated in the Richards Bay Grand Slam and a 9-hour endurance race at HMYC this year; it was all a lot of fun! The Grand Slam was the first regatta I won against my entire class, both men and women. The 9-hour race is one I always look forward to; I was lucky enough to rent the Weta, on which I competed solo in my senior year and won the line leader title.'

Cantarelli spends most weekends traveling to Durban for training. She recounted: 'Last Sunday, I trained at sea in Durban and received good coaching from my trainer Rudy McNill. I have several upcoming regattas planned—the KZN Regionals and the Midmar Cup—but I am most looking forward to participating in the Youth Games in Portugal in December.'

Durban's renowned ILCA sailor, McNill, focuses on his preferred class, holding six national titles and double the number of regional victories. He aims for victory before the National Championships next year in KZN. He commented: 'It was an honor to train Dani; I try to pass on as much knowledge as possible. It was fun, and after each session, she gets faster!'

McNill faces serious competition in the men's class. Thomas Funke, returning after a successful campaign at the 505 World Championship in Heligoland, will challenge McNill on the course. Another athlete to watch is Luke Wagner, who recently teamed up with McNill at the 505 KZN Regionals, where they took third overall place, and also captained his yacht Bellissima to third place at the ORC National Championships during MSC Week.