This year’s European trip was a real journey full of testing moments, small wins, and a lot of growth. From the first big fleet start line in Palma to the final races at the Europeans in Sweden, every step has taught me more about where I am and where I need to go.
Palma was my first time back in a truly big international fleet for a while, and I was quickly reminded just how tough it can be. Lining up with over a 174, the margin for error was small and every start felt like a battle. I went in feeling strong in my sailing, but the sheer intensity of the fleet made it hard to convert that into results. Still, it was the kind of “deep end” experience that shook the rust off and showed me the level I needed to match.
From there, I joined a training camp in Valencia with both the Australian Sailing Team and the GBR team. It was an environment where every drill and every line-up was high pressure, and nothing came easy. But instead of being intimidated, I embraced it. I pushed myself hard, tested my limits, and came out knowing I could live up to that level. It was one of those weeks where you feel yourself grow and that you are where you are meant to be.
Hyères followed soon after, and it felt like a step forward. The competition, while still tough, felt more manageable than Palma with a smaller fleet of 112, and the feedback from the national coach gave me a real boost in confidence. I started to believe more in my preparation and in my ability to put myself in the right places on the course. I didn’t quite hit the results I was aiming for, but the improvement from the first regatta was clear a sign that the work in Valencia was already paying off.
After those back to back events a total of 6 weeks in Europe, I returned home for a major training and fitness block. It was a chance to reset, put in the physical work, and rebuild for the next stage of the season. These weeks at home were just as important as the time overseas giving me both the strength and the headspace to prepare for the Europeans.
Then came the Europeans in Marstrand, Sweden. I went in confident after the work I’d done, and for much of the regatta I felt like I was sailing at a higher standard than earlier in the season feeling more comfortable and able to execute. But in the end, the results didn’t reflect that progress. A few key moments including penalties and tough light-air races proved costly.
It was a tough pill to swallow, especially after putting so much into the lead-up. But even in the disappointment, there were positives: my preparation was solid, I managed setbacks better than I had earlier in the year, and the gains from training were visible. Sometimes sailing teaches you the hard way, but those lessons stick.
After the regatta followed a long drive from Sweden to Barcelona bringing its own challenges learning how to drive on the other side of the road with a huge trailer on the back with a rib and 4 boats. I left Europe this time knowing I had improved and knowing exactly what I need to sharpen next.
The next stage is all about momentum. More training upcoming in Sydney at the national training centre, Sail Melbourne and then the nationals in Hobart with a lot of driving all in between. I’m focused on building toward the 2026 season with renewed confidence.
This campaign is a long road, but trips like this one with their mix of highs, setbacks, and breakthroughs are what shape me into the sailor I want to be.
Thank you for being part of the journey. Your support makes it possible to take on these challenges, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward into what comes next.