Elliot earns sailing spot in world championships

BARWON Heads sailor Elliot Hughes will represent his country next month when he competes in the Cadet World Championship 2019 in Poland.

Elliot, 14, will travel to Krynica Morska with four other Royal Geelong Yacht club sailors for the competition that will take place between July 22 and August 4.

The Bellarine Secondary College student began sailing five years ago after a come and try day at the Festival of Sails in Geelong.

Mum Tracey said Elliot jumped in a boat for a 15-minute sail and returned with a passion for the sea.

“He got off and said, ‘Wow, that was lots of fun’, and he’s been doing it ever since,” Tracey said.

Elliot has also travelled to Argentina as a crew member and is now a skipper sailing his own boat.

Elliot said he enjoyed the social side of sailing, had made some good friends and enjoyed passing on his skills to his younger crew.

He said he also enjoyed the competitive aspect of the sport.

Coach Tony Bull said Elliot was no stranger to international competition having competed previously in Argentina, Netherlands and Germany.

“He is also a member of the local Barwon Sports Academy for promising athletes,” Mr Bull said.

“Also testament to Elliot’s standing is his appointment as Junior Vice Captain at the RGYC.”

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is hosting a trivia and auction night on Saturday June 15 to help raise money towards the funds needed to support the teens representing their country this July.

To book a ticket, visit trybooking.com/book/ event?eid=500545&.