Charlie Thurn preparing Optimist class yacht “Ship Happens”.
Former Esperance resident Luke Elliott ran a week-long learn to sail coaching course for first time junior sailors at Esperance Bay Yacht Club last week.
A Laser Standard Junior World Championship silver medalist in 2011 who had his highest world ranking of five in the ILCA 7 class in January 2023, Elliott passed on his extensive knowledge to 19 newcomers.
“Most of the kids were aged between 8 and 12, they were really good, a really friendly bunch and they were very keen so hopefully we can convert most of them to becoming members,” he said.
“It was a good week and I’m happy I had a lot of really good helpers, and a lot of people were volunteering, and a lot of junior sailors came down to help.
“It is a good way to start the season for the Yacht Club.”
In a career that has taken Elliott all around the world, he is still fond of the Esperance Bay Yacht Club.
“I will always think of it as my first yacht club,” he said.
Elliott will be back at the Yacht Club next week for a two week long training camp, this time mentoring the best junior Laser sailors that Australia has to offer.
