2017 Youth Sailing World Championship: Turks and Caicos sailor enjoying a global experience in Sanya

Turks and Caicos' Mary Kathryn Grace Mann © Jesus Renedo / Sailing Energy / World Sailing

Sanya 2017 is the first career appearance for Mary Kathryn Grace Mann (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos) at the Youth Sailing World Championships, the world's premier junior sailing event.

Mann is new to the international sailing scene, having primarily trained and raced in home waters near Providenciales.

"This is the biggest fleet I've ever seen or raced in," said Mann, 16. "It's a great chance to learn from everybody. I've learned more in two days of racing here than in all my past regattas combined."

Mann was introduced to sailing by supportive friends, and encouraged by her family. "Sailing is a pretty big sport back home, with a long tradition in the islands," said Mann. "They have been sailing sloops there for many years, but we are just starting to get more youth racing. I sailed Laser Picos and Hobie Cats before starting in the Laser Radial."

One thing that stood out to Mann about her Youth Worlds experience so far is the global community of sailors that she has now joined. "Everyone in the fleet is friendly, and tries to help each other," said Mann. "I have made many connections with sailors from around the world."

Also standing out to Mann is the natural beauty of Sanya, the southernmost of China's major cities. "I love Sanya's beautiful mountains and beaches, and that there is green everywhere," said Mann. "The people here are friendly, and especially willing to help visitors."