THIRTEEN-year-old Akuila Raboila from Yadua, Bua, never imagined he would one day race in a sailing regatta, but thanks to a chance meeting he is now dreaming big.
The Year 9 student of Ba Provincial Freebird Institute was one of 12 young sailors who competed at the Oceania Optimist Regatta Championship held at the National Sailing Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva yesterday
“I got into sailing when Vili (2024 Olympian Viliame Ratulu) and the Fiji Yachting Association came to our community for a sailing outreach,” Raboila said.
“I went down to Vuda Marina, that is where I saw Vili teaching Emily so I asked him if one day I would try it out, and yeah he took my word for it.”
Raboila began training just two weeks ago, learning the Tackers one, two and three sailing courses, beginner levels designed to teach children how to sail in Optimist boats.
His first day on the water was filled with nerves, but by the end of the race, he was filled with confidence and joy.
“Before the game started, I was a bit scared, but at the end of the first race I felt confident,” he said.
He thanked those who helped him along the way, including his coach Vili, fellow sailors Navi, Lewa, Watson and Emily and sponsors Adam and Lisa Wade.
“I also want to thank my mom for her love and words of courage and my Nau and Bu for their prayers.”
Raboila’s goal is to one day represent Fiji at the Olympic Games and become a coach like his mentor.
