Zhik Youth Sail ACT: Three Days of Learning, Racing and Fun

Forty-eight sailors on thirty-six boats took to Lake Burley Griffin for the inaugural Zhik Youth Sail ACT, hosted by Canberra Yacht Club and supported by YMCA of Canberra Sailing Club. Bringing together young sailors from across the ACT and regional NSW, the three-day event created opportunities for participants to develop their skills, gain racing experience and connect with sailors from other clubs. 

Featuring fleets of ILCA 4s and 6s, Pacers, NS14s and Optimists, the event combined morning coaching with afternoon racing, with up to three races held each day.With sailors ranging from recent Discover Sailing and Tackers graduates to those with multiple seasons of racing experience, the weekend program provided an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone to learn and improve. 

Strong participation from Canberra Yacht Club, YMCA Sailing Club and the ACT Sea Scouts was complemented by visiting sailors from Hunters Hill Sailing Club, Carcoar Dam Sailing Club and Jindabyne Sailing Club in NSW. For young sailors from regional clubs, the event offered a valuable opportunity to access coaching and to race alongside a larger group of youth sailors.  

A highlight across all fleets was the improvement in sailing and racing skills throughout the weekend, with boats finishing closer together as sailors applied their newly gained confidence on the racecourse.  

Lake Burley Griffin provided a fantastic backdrop and the perfect sailing area, with sunshine for most of the weekend and variable light to moderate north-westerly winds. The changing conditions gave sailors plenty of opportunities to put their morning boat handling training into practice during racing each afternoon.  

Another highlight of the event was sailors and families having the opportunity to hear from Paris 2024 Olympian Rhiannan Brown on Saturday evening. Rhiannan shared her progression from youth sailing to competing at the Olympic Games, inspiring sailors to continue learning more about the sport. 

Local sailors Andrew Reid and Michael Forster also shared their expertise, with Andrew delivering a rigging and tuning demonstration for the NS14 and Pacer fleets, while Michael presented a light wind sailing masterclass for all classes whilst waiting for wind on Sunday morning.  

Congratulations to all placegetters: 

ILCA 4 

ILCA 6 

NS14 

Pacer 

View all results here.  

Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Awards 

Thank you to Canberra Yacht Club, the coaches, guest presenters, volunteers, clubs and families who helped make the event a success. The 2026 event has establisheda strong foundation for the future Zhik Youth Sail events in the ACTand we look forward to welcoming more interstate participants in 2027.