Sailor Profile | Ethan Withers

Ethan is in our Open Optimist fleet, he's on the Francis Douglas Memorial College Sailing Team and he sails a 420 on Saturday afternoons with the seniors. Enjoy reading his sailor profile!

• Name: Ethan Withers

• Age: 13

• School and year: FDMC Year 8

• Hometown: Omata ‍‍‍

• Family members: Blair (dad) Julie (mum) Natalie (older sister) Benjamin (older brother).

• Sports: Hockey, Football, Sailing

• Pets: Max (dog)

• Sails: Optimist 4476

When and why did you start sailing?

I started sailing when I wondered where a teammate from cricket went, and I asked my mum and she said "sailing." So then I asked if I could try sailing, but the learn to sail course was full. I had to wait a whole year to do the course, but it was worth the wait!

What do you love about sailing?

I love having lots of wind and sailing fast. I love being in charge of my own boat.

What boats have you sailed?

Optimist, 420 and have had a go on a Starling, a 3.7 and an Elliott.

What is your favourite boat to sail?

420

What are some of your favourite places to sail?

Around the Sugar Loaf Islands

Please share some favourite sailing memories?

Going away with the FDMC sailing team to Taupo. Being a skipper at the 420 Nationals in New Plymouth.

What regattas have you been to and what did you enjoy about them?

Sir Peter Blake Regatta in Torbay. Fun to go away with other NPYC club members, getting to see the America's Cup and winning a skiff suit!

Are you going to any regattas this sailing season 2025/26?

Sir Peter Blake Regatta North Island Optimist Clinic in January, Optimist Nationals New Plymouth Yacht Club

Have you got any ambitions for the 2025/26 sailing season?

To gain as much sailing experience as I can. Would love to be the club Optimist Open Champ again.

What is an essential you bring to regattas?

My boat and my mum.

Any tips for kids wanting to give sailing a go?

Pick a good day, have fun and don't give up.

Are you inspired by a particular sailor?

Sir Peter Blake, he was a great sailor and he cared deeply about the environment.

Have you got a dream within sailing?

I would love to sail around the world.