Young teenagers compete in Farr 727 National Championships 2009

Edwin Delaat working on Crac-A-Jac in the Viaduct Basin Margaret Delaat

Edwin Delaat up in the mast working on Crac-A-Jac © Margaret Delaat

Edwin Delaat who is no stranger in the sailing circles has his eye set on doing well this weekend. The twelve year old wrapped up the RAYC Club Champs in the Optimist class recently with Olivia coming in fourth place.

Olivia Mills is no stranger either and has made her mark earlier this year when she was a crew member in the 'Women National Keel Champs 2009' with a third placing. Last year she came second place in the RAYC Opti Champs with Edwin third.

Edwin worked most of the summer holidays on Crac-A-Jac (whilst not crewing on other boats) with the aim to do the Nationals. 'Yeah right' was the general response.

It is not the first time he proved people wrong, at the age of nine he received his VHF Marine Radio License and he has his own call sign. One year later he passed his Day Skippers Certificate followed with Boat Masters last year. Last summer he was a permanent crew member on the famous 'Ragtime/Infidel' and the youngest entrant in the HSBC Coastal Classic 2008 on 'Starlight Express' with fifth place.

These youngsters' determination and focus with the attitude of can do appears unusual. Tell them you can't do that and they show you how it is done. Surely are we to hear more from them in future.

Edwin Delaat working on Crac-A-Jac © Margaret Delaat

Crac-A-Jac in the Viaduct Basin © Margaret Delaat