Louis Schofield has showed an early liking for the big stage.
Representing Australia at the cadet sailing world championships in England earlier this year, Schofield, 15, skippered his two-man boat to a 14th-placed finish.
In what was his first time competing overseas, the Williamstown High School student performed well in the tough conditions, excelling in the strong winds with crewman Peter Allen.
“We wanted a top 15 finish so I am happy with that,” Schofield said. “The first half of the regatta, it was really windy and we went very well in that.
“There was a point of the course where you’re sailing across the wind. We were the fastest at that, in the heavy wind. It gave us a huge advantage and we ended up getting really good results..”
As well as putting in a strong performance as part of the Australian team, Schofield won the under-16 helm award, which is presented to the event’s best skipper. Since returning home, Schofield hasn’t wasted any time putting his international experience to good use, winning at the Sail Sandringham regatta earlier this month.
He said his England experience had helped him improve his sailing.
“I have a lot more experience now and I am more confident in what I am doing,” he said.
There will be no slowing down for Schofield, who has turned his attention to the forthcoming national championships in Port Lincoln in the Christmas/new year period.
“We could do quite well at the national championships – I am going to be doing a
lot of training to do the best I can there,” he said.
Schofield’s club, the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in Williamstown, will hold a come-and-try day this Sunday from 11am. For details, contact training@rycv.asn.au.
Liam Twomey
