I started sailing at Murrays Bay when I was nine, in an Optimist, and progressed through to the Green and Open fleets. I then moved on to sail P-class, Starling, 29er, 420 and most recently, Laser Radial. I did a lot of Teams Racing in 420s at Westlake Boys’. I love the competitive nature of sailing, however, I also love how sailing gives you the ability escape and have fun. NBYC is such a great place to learn to sail, it’s a very supportive environment. I have sailed right across NZ in National regattas, including as far North as the Bay of Islands, and as far South as Lyttelton. In 2013, I traveled to Brisbane to sail in the Interdominion Teams Racing Champs where we placed 3rd. Coaching is great fun, and allows me to inspire others to learn to love our sport, and the many possibilities it can lead to. Nothing beats getting out on the water, in the wind and sun – no matter what the boat! Once when I was sailing off Murrays Bay in my P-class, I looked behind me and a stingray was following me. I tried not to panic, and went for a tack (turned around) – but it kept following me! After a few minutes it must have got bored and dived down again, luckily!

When he’s not coaching, Blake is a Music and Engineering student, and a Singer.