For QLD, WA and TAS these events are arguably the highlights of the 2020/21 off the beach calendar for our sailors.  It boasts hosting current top pathway sailors and provides an opportunity for up and coming sailors of all levels.

These events consecutively receive accolades from its coaching clinics; and this year’s line-up vaunts coaches. Participants can look forward to learning from some of Australia’s best with Ben Walkemeyer – Western Australia, Lizzi Roundtree - Tasmania and Shane Smith - Queensland all confirmed as being part of the coaching line up for the Clinic and Youth Championship in their home state.

Ben Walkemeyer is no stranger to coaching at Westsail and WA Youth Championships with 2020 being his fifth year at the event.  Ben, who specialises in Single Handed Coaching, has been assisting the WAIS program with Head Coach Belinda Stowell at WAIS.

Ben Walkemeyer said ‘With significate events cancelled this year, the importance of ensuring sailors in their home state have an opportunity to come together for the sport is a vital year for health and wellbeing. It’s also time for sailors to continue supporting locals’ clubs who help so many sailors each year who organises training, club racing and major regattas.

Lizzi Rountree in Tasmania is nominated for Coach of the Year for Tasmania and has been coaching many classes based out of Sandy Bay Sailing including Optimists, International Cadets and 29ers. The coach from Tasmania said ‘This event will provide a necessary foundation for sailors to re-connect and build relationships after the abrupt close to last season. It’s also a rare and welcome opportunity to have an event that promotes a coaching clinic and regatta all in one, bringing together sailors of all skill levels and with the best of the best of up and coming Tasmanian coaching talent."

Shane Smith, who was a competitive sailor with many states, national and international championships under his belt, will be attending as a member of the coaching team at Keppel Bay Sailing Club. 

‘I get a real buzz when I attend the QLD Coaching Clinic and Youth Championships, where sailors from the south and north meet halfway and come together each year.  Some families travel just under 12 hours to attend the week of youth sailing.  Being able to provide and support them during the week of sailing gives me a rewarding feeling and seeing them grow with new skills provides a lot of rewards as a coach’ says Shane.

The Race Documents and online entry for the 2020 Queensland, Western Australian and Tasmania are now posted on the AS Youth website. Late entries for each of the events are fast approaching so don’t forget to register early.

Queensland Coaching Clinic and Youth Championships 21 – 26 September Keppel Bay Sailing Club

Westsail and WA Youth Championships 26 September – 1 October Hillarys Yacht Club

Tasmania Coaching Clinic and Youth Championships 8 – 11 October Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania