Catching the Sailing Bug

The Clarence River

The question is often asked as to how one got into the wonderful world of sailing. Tillerman who writes for a blog known as Propercourse has invited all sailors to tell the story of how, who or what inspired them to start a life of salt infested fun, so we here at LSD thought we would jump on the band wagon and tell the story of how we got into sailing. Well, I thought I would tell my story anyway…

It may be a boring tale to some, but for me it was a life changing experience that has guided me down a path of pure unadulterated fun.

It all began before I was born… My parents were keen sailors who enjoyed wild rides on Hobie 16’s. This was back in the day when stubbie shorts and singlets were in fashion and senses were altered by not only water, wind and waves but of the 70’s lifestyle (influenced by LSD perhaps???).

Mum was crewing for Dad on a Hobie 16 even when she 8 months pregnant with me! People just couldn’t believe that she was still sailing with me swimming around inside her (too much detail?).

Naturally when I was born this was the greatest moment of their lives. Being the first born I was the star that sparked in their eyes and all Mum wanted was for to grow up as a lady and be a dancer. Dad had other things in mind…

My first boat was given to me when I was just a wee tacker at the age of 3. Dad had built me a Sabot with his bare hands and when it was ready it was launched into the family pool where I would bob around getting the feel for it. Before too long I was paired up with another local young sailor and we competed in club racing on the mighty Clarence River in northern New South Wales.

I think I was 4 or 5 when my skipper (Peter) and I won our first Club Championship. There I was, a tiny blonde girl sitting in the front of Sabot and loving every minute of it (I have blocked out the scary experiences!).

Sailing was in my blood and every chance I could get would find me sailing in on the Clarence River, which was also my backyard.

But it was more than just the influence of my parents that ensured I would stay with the sport forever. I was lucky enough to live just two doors away from who would become a Moth World Champion and later an Olympic Silver Medallist in the Tornado class at the 1996 Games.

Andrew Landenberger was my hero. He was who I looked up to and who I aspired to be just like. I remember afternoons after school when I would visit his garage and watch his Dad, my Dad and him build, tweak and imagine new and faster boat designs. They would come up with all sorts of things.

I remember when Andrew and I took a hydrofoil cat screaming up and down the river at ridiculous speeds just for the fun of it. Again I blocked out the sheer terrified screams that I’m sure damaged his hearing forever.

The rest really is history, and it’s thanks to Mum, Dad, Andrew and Mr Landenberger as to why I still love sailing and racing today.

It’s amazing at how a few childhood experiences can mould the future for a young sailor and provide guidance into adulthood.

Mum never got a lady like dancer but Dad got his sailor.

Today I don’t do nearly as enough sailing as I would like, however it influences me in every aspect. Johnsee and I run a Sailing School, which now encourages other young kids to take up the sport, and maybe, just maybe we will be the reason they stick with it for the rest of their lives. Memories of Sail & Play with their friends in the holidays and capsizing in Moreton Bay with the jellyfish!

If you feel like sharing your story of how you got into sailing then pour your heart out. I know that thinking about life as a sailing kid puts a smile on my face and one that will stay with me forever.

Thanks Mum. Thanks Dad. Thanks Andrew and thanks Mr Landenberger. You changed my life forever!

Andrew now lives in Germany with his family and has a very successful sail loft. Check out his website