That's the KISS Sailing Spirit - ORCV KISS Program at the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria
by Lee Renfree 5 Feb 09:54 GMT
Exhileration and just being part of a crew © Courtney Mead
In 2023 Courtney Mead stepped aboard the beautiful yacht, White Spirit owned by Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) Commodore Cyrus Allen. It was the Festival of Sails. It was an absolute hoot. She thought "this is cool stuff, I'd like to do more" but she had no idea she was about to be catapulted into a whole new way of life. The desire to do more attracted Courtney to the ORCV KISS Program.
Courtney says, "I just love the sailing community, the camaraderie and the social network. My big go in life is to challenge myself. I once did 3 marathons in 12 months. Doing the KISS Program I was introduced to new concepts like weather and navigation. I loved learning in the on-line classroom and putting these things into practice live on White Spirit. Being in a learning environment where you are taught the basics from scratch and being taken on the journey gives you a deeper understanding.
"When Cyrus asked me to do the Sydney to Hobart this year, I jumped at it. We trained as a team and did the Cabbage Tree Race. It felt good and then I actually did it. I sailed in the Hobart and it seems so surreal now. I got off the boat in Hobart, Mum hugged me and says how did you go? Mum I would do it all over again. I love the challenge of seeing how far I can push myself.
"I had no foundation in the sport prior to KISS and being on White Spirit made me feel safe, I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. I was set up in the best way possible. It was like a runner's high and I felt like flying. I was having so much fun, I forgot to be scared. I was confident in what we could do as a team. We had all the processes in place. I loved being in the team environment. Preparation is key and we knew each other's personalities.
"I was really proud of my ability to helm when I was needed so the other crew could take a break. I was surprised about how I could consolidate all my other knowledge and it was a full circle moment.
"KISS gave me the knowledge and confidence to start ocean racing and then ultimately the Hobart. Without it I would never have the race. I would recommend KISS to any level of sailor. It gives you insight and foundational concepts, and allows you to connect with other sailors who generously share their knowledge.
"The weather and navigation knowledge gives you power and helps you be a really valued part of the Team. As women we are quite logical in our thinking, KISS has a logical structure and then we put things into practice. The whole structure gives you confidence. If you are on the fence and still thinking about it, just do it... don't worry about things. Just give it a crack."
The KISS program is proudly supported by Australian Sailing, She Sails, and is a government initiative all powered by the ORCV.