Thirteen-year-old Akuila Raboila from Yadua, Bua, has made an unexpected entry into the world of sailing, recently participating in the Oceania Optimist Regatta Championship held at the National Sailing Centre in Suva. The Year 9 student from Ba Provincial Freebird Institute was one of 12 young sailors competing in this exciting event, which has ignited his passion for sailing.
Raboila’s journey began with a fortuitous encounter during a sailing outreach program led by Viliame Ratulu, a 2024 Olympic hopeful and a prominent figure with the Fiji Yachting Association. Inspired by what he witnessed at the Vuda Marina, Raboila inquired about the opportunity to learn sailing, which has now turned into a thrilling reality.
Having just started training two weeks prior, he took on the beginner Tackers courses designed for young learners sailing in Optimist boats. Raboila faced initial nerves on race day but found great encouragement, expressing confidence by the end of his first race.
He was thankful for the support he received from his coach Vili, fellow sailors, sponsors, and especially his family, who contributed to his journey towards reaching his goal of representing Fiji in the Olympics.
This inspiring story mirrors the experiences of other young sailors from Fiji who are carving out their paths in the sport. Recently, four young athletes participated in the 2025 Misto Australian Optimist Dinghy Championship, marking their first international sailing experience. Their participation was made possible through a commitment to training and financial contributions towards their trip, demonstrating the community’s support promoting sailing in Fiji.
As Raboila dreams of future competitions and aspirations of becoming a coach like his mentor, his journey highlights the power of community engagement and the importance of nurturing youth talent in sports. The growing interest in sailing among Fijian youth not only contributes to individual development but also fosters connections within the global sailing community, paving the way for future generations to explore opportunities through this vibrant sport.
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