RPAYC youth sailor Ebba Nixey was recognised with the Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Award at the recent Zhik Youth Sail NSW event in Toronto, following an outstanding display of sportsmanship and compassion on the water.
During racing, Ebba noticed another young sailor in distress. Rather than simply continuing with her race, she turned back to check on the sailor and stayed long enough to make sure they were okay before resuming racing and completing her race.
It was a small moment in the context of a busy regatta, but one that demonstrated something much bigger. Ebba put the wellbeing of another competitor ahead of her own race result, showing compassion, empathy and sportsmanship when it mattered. She then showed resilience and determination by returning to the course and finishing her race.
Race officials subsequently awarded Ebba redress, restoring her position in recognition of the time she had lost while assisting the other sailor.
Ebba’s actions were a wonderful example of exactly what Australian Sailing’s new Spirit of S.A.I.L.I.N.G. Award was created to recognise.
Introduced across Zhik Youth Sail events, the award celebrates young sailors who demonstrate outstanding character both on and off the water. Its seven values are Sportsmanship, Attitude, Integrity, Learning, Inclusion, Never Give Up and Gratitude.
While sailing naturally celebrates results, speed and success, moments like this are an important reminder that the qualities developed through our sport extend well beyond the racecourse.
Ebba demonstrated that being a great sailor is also about looking out for others, making good decisions under pressure and having the strength to continue when the race doesn’t go quite as planned.
Congratulations Ebba – a very deserving recipient and a wonderful reflection of the spirit of youth sailing at RPAYC.