Young local sailors claim podium finish in Czech Republic

LOCAL sailors Jack Benyan and Louis Davis have finished third in the International Cadet Championships in the Czech Republic.

The young duo represented the Geelong Yacht Club in the competition across six intense days of racing, and managed the third-placed finish among a highly competitive 79- boat fleet.

Benyan and Davis have been sailing together for the past 12 months, with their preparation paying off with the incredible result earlier this month.

14-year-old Benyan, who hails from Jan Juc, admitted that the podium finish was a surprise to both him and Davis.

“It was such a surprise to do so well, as it’s my first year helming a cadet,” he said.

“We also felt extremely proud to represent Australia and Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

“In an international fleet of 79 boats, a top 20 was our goal so we were totally blown away with a podium finish.”

It was a particularly successful tournament for Benyan, having also won the Wilson Trophy for best helm under 16, and the Ellis Trophy for best helm under 15.

“I didn’t know I’d won them until it was announced,” he explained.

“It’s such a special moment. You don’t make it to a World Championship without the support and backing of so many people and organisations (like) the RYGC community, coaches, our sponsor Gill, Barwon Sports Academy, my school St Joseph’s College and of course family and friends.

“Being at an international event like the World Championship is about more than just sailing. It’s so much fun making lifelong friendships with the sailors from all the other countries.”

Benyan is striving for more success even so early in his sailing career, both in Australia and around the globe.

“I’ll continue sailing my cadet in the RGYC summer series,” he said.

“The Australian Nationals are going to be held in Geelong in December, with the top 10 boats making next year’s Australian World Championship team. A place on next year’s team travelling to Lake Garda, Italy would be my goal.”