By Matthew Sims
Seddon’s Zac Sayle and Charlie White are ready to tear through the water in Belgium later this year, with the pair preparing to be one of the eight-boat team representing Australia in the International Cadet Class 2023 World Championship.
Running from Thursday, July 20 to Friday, July 28, the championship will include the best junior sailors from all continents racing in one of the most iconic boats in the world: the Cadet two-seater.
The Cadet is a class of sailing dinghy designed to be sailed by two children up to the age of 17.
Zac said while he had been sailing in Cadets for six years since he was 10, Charlie had not sailed a Cadet before they started sailing together last February.
“When sailing with a partner, you form new friendships with other people, and you learn valuable life skills such as working with other people for a common goal,” he said.
Charlie said a positive rapport with Zac is essential to their success on the water.
“When one of you is having a bad day, the other one is there to cheer you up and motivate you to do well,” he said.
“We both have separate jobs in the boat and you develop a level of trust and understanding that the other can be relied upon to do their job.”
Zac said he and Charlie are excited to represent Australia on a world stage.
“I know that even being selected to represent my country at a world Championship overseas is a big achievement and something which only very few people ever get the opportunity to do, let alone at such a young age,” he said.
“I see this opportunity as being very special.”
Charlie and Zac are raising money for their journey, with the fundraising total at $1245 at the time of publication towards their $2700 goal.
Details: www.mycause.com.au/p/304451/help-zac-and-charlie-conquer-the-cadet-worlds
