Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Reid Martin. All Photos supplied
Whitsunday sailor Reid Martin has a busy few months on the horizon, with the 13-year-old preparing to represent Australia in Sri Lanka this December before heading to Melbourne for the national championships in January 2027.
Selected in the Australian Optimist Sailing Team, Reid will contest the Asian and Oceania Championships in Sri Lanka, proudly representing the Whitsunday and Port Denison sailing clubs.
Since first stepping into a boat at just seven years old, Reid has established himself as one of Australia’s leading young sailors, collecting podium finishes at state and national events across the country.
Now 12, this won’t even be the young phenom’s first time overseas, having represented Australia in Thailand and Türkiye in his previous two stints with the Australian Optimist Sailing Team.
Racing overseas gives Reid another chance to test himself against some of the world’s best junior sailors, gaining experience that could serve him well as he sets his sights on the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Those opportunities come with plenty of kilometres behind the scenes. Based in regional Queensland, Reid and his family regularly travel long distances to access the coaching and competition available closer to home for many city-based sailors.
His sailing program has included state championships and youth week regattas, alongside plans for training sessions and camps in Brisbane and Sydney. Each trip helps Reid gain experience against strong competition but also adds to the cost of pursuing the sport.
To help him continue that progress, his family is seeking community support ahead of his next round of national and international commitments.
To support Reid’s sailing journey, visit asf.org.au/campaigns/reid-martin-sailing and make a donation.
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Whitsunday Sailing Club Fixtures
Weekend Off Beach Sailing — Cancelled
When: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
Cancelled due to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
Offshore 7
When: Sunday 8th November at 11am
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
Twilight Sailing
When: Wednesday 11th November at 4.30pm
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
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