Issue date
Trent Rippey is a returning NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team member from 2012 when he competed in the 29er class as helmsman.
Now in the boy's single-handed class the 17 year old, who hails from Tauranga, earned his place in this year’s team after placing 1st youth at the 2014 Laser Radial National Championships and 1st New Zealand youth at Oceanbridge Sail Auckland. At this year’s RYA Youth Nationals he scooped the silver medal in the boy’s Laser radial division.
“Along with rest of the team Trent is working really hard in preparation, he is training in Tauranga and mixing this with our national youth clinics and working with his coach as we build towards Portugal,” says Ian Neely, Talent Development Manager.
Q&A with Trent Rippey...
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: Through Dad and my Mum. We used to go holidaying in keel boats and launches, so I guess you could say it was bound to happen. I said to Mum and Dad that I wanted to sail when I was very young, 6 years old!
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Chinese
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Tauranga harbour and outside the entrance.
Q: Which New Zealand sailors do you admire most admire?
A: Dean Barker and Peter Burling.
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
A: Racing is very close and tactical, so that makes for very interesting and fun racing. It is also physically demanding.
Q: How will you prepare for the Youth Worlds and which regattas will you be attending in the lead-up?
A: I have recently done one build up regatta, the British Youth Nationals. With 106 Lasers in my fleet this was great practice. My program is pretty full from here on now spending at least four days on the water a week and doing various forms of exercise as much as I can.
Q: What was the most proud moment of your sailing to date, and tell us how you felt?
A: Winning selection for two ISAF youth worlds spots for New Zealand, I was happy that all my hard work over the years had paid off and my training structure was working to plan.
