Fiji’s coach and athlete Viliame “Vili” Ratulu has successfully completed World Sailing’s 2025 Technical Coaching Course Level 2 & 3, which took place in Weymouth, United Kingdom from September 16 to October 11. Ratulu’s participation was supported by the Olympic Solidarity’s Coaching Scholarship program, making him one of only 12 recipients chosen for this opportunity.
During his final presentation at the course, Ratulu focused on the growth of sailing in Fiji and emphasized the importance of enhancing the country’s performance pathway. His goal is to foster a strong sailing culture, highlighting Fiji’s rich maritime identity while concentrating on youth development within the sport.
Ratulu shared insights into how he plans to revolutionize training sessions upon his return to Fiji. He stressed the value of involving athletes in planning their training and establishing individual goals, tailoring coaching to meet the unique potential of each sailor. A significant takeaway from the course was the understanding of a coach’s role in shaping the lives of young athletes beyond competitions, helping them evolve into “better individuals” through sports.
On water, Ratulu aims to shift the competitive focus towards “racing mode,” prioritizing not just finishing races but doing so with precision and excellence. He plans to refine critical racing skills, such as start execution, tacks and gybes, mark roundings, and wind reading.
His structured approach to designing coaching sessions emphasizes athlete needs while ensuring that training remains engaging and process-oriented. Ratulu acknowledges the social and leadership responsibilities that come with coaching, emphasizing the importance of building trust and communication in mentoring young sailors. He intends to tackle challenges such as gaining parents’ trust and guiding young athletes away from negative influences, empowering them to pursue their aspirations.
Ratulu’s vision includes rebuilding a robust grassroots sailing foundation in Fiji over the next two years, aimed at establishing a sustainable growth pyramid for the sport. He set performance targets that include qualifying both male and female sailors for national competitions and transitioning two female athletes to higher competition levels by 2027 for the Pacific Games.
Closing his presentation, he expressed gratitude towards his classmates—”strangers” who became a “sailing family”—and shared a valuable lesson: while sailors cannot change conditions on the water, they can always adjust their sails, reinforcing the core principle of adaptability in sailing and life.
The completion of Ratulu’s coaching course not only symbolizes his personal growth but also presents an opportunity for enhancing the sailing landscape in Fiji. His initiative and dedication promise to inspire the next generation of sailors, strengthening both individual and collective achievements in the sport.
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