Age is proving to be no barrier for Louis Schofield.
After first jumping into a sailing boat at the age of seven, the rising star has been climbing the competition ranks at a rate of knots.
By the time he was eight, he had started competitive racing. Two years later, he was skipper of his own boat.
Now 15, Schofield is preparing to compete in his biggest event yet when he pulls on the green and gold to represent Australia at the cadet world championships in England.
The competition will take place at Weymouth, on the south coast, starting in mid-August.
Schofield will be the youngest Australian skipper at the championships.
The quick-learning Williamstown High
School student has stepped up his training
for the event.
“Usually you’re in a learn-to-sail program for a couple of years and then you go up to the cadets as a crew member,” Schofield says.
“I got out of the learn-to-sail program when I was around 10 so I could start a bit earlier and get better.
“I used to sail only every Sunday, but since I got into the Australian team I’ve been sailing every Saturday in Geelong as well.”
Schofield qualified for the cadet world championships after finishing eighth at the national titles in Victoria.
His outstanding results will come as no surprise to state coaches, who have had him in the Yachting Victoria junior sailing development squad for the past year.
With the championships less than two months away, the Williamstown resident hopes it’s just the start of his career competing on the big stage.
“There’s a bit of nerves involved, but I’m really excited as well,” Schofield says.
“It’s always been one of my dreams to get into the Olympics. Hopefully one day I can get there.”
Schofield has been named as a monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with
Star Weekly.
Schofield will receive $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes to help in reaching his sporting goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level.
Liam Twomey
