8 minute read
Greta Pilkington
from BREEZE WINTER 2024
by RNZYS
From Stewart 34 cruising to the Olympic Games
This is the story of how Greta turned her love for the sport into a pursuit of excellence on the international sailing stage and is now an inspiration to all young women who vie for a spot on the New Zealand Olympic Team.
Greta Pilkington has been immersed in the world of sailing since infancy. Her journey from a young girl on her family’s boat to an aspiring Olympic sailor is a testament to her passion, dedication, and competitive spirit. This is the story of how Greta turned her love for the sport into a pursuit of excellence on the international sailing stage and is now an inspiration to all young women who vie for a spot on the New Zealand Olympic Team.
Sailing runs deep in the Pilkington family, with her father Guy being an avid racer, and the former RNZYS Youth Training Program head coach for over 10 years. Her mum, Jane, was also a competitive sailor during her youth up to her 30’s, and two of her three young siblings have also chosen sailing as their main sport.
I sat down with Greta who told us how she went from being a 6-week-old crew member on a Stewart 34, to selection as the women’s ILCA 6 representative for the Paris Olympic Games.
When did you start sailing?
I’ve been on and around boats since I was six weeks old on Mum and Dad’s Stewart 34 “Playbuoy”. My love for sailing began early, and I started learning the ropes at Murrays Bay Sailing Club when I was just seven years old.
Who got you into sailing?
Sailing runs in my blood. Both my parents are avid sailors, and my cousin and I spent our childhood racing our Townsen sailing dinghies, Sunshine and Racer, whenever we went cruising. Watching him join the Murrays Bay Sailing Club sparked my interest to follow suit and continue racing alongside him.
What was the first class you sailed and raced?
The first boat I sailed was my mum’s Townsen sailing dinghy, Racer, a special boat that my grandfather built for her. My first experience in competitive sailing was with an Optimist 4224 called Princess, named after Chris Dickson’s yacht of the same name.
When did you realise you wanted to start racing?
I’ve always been fiercely competitive and loved racing against my friends. It was during these early races that I realised my passion for competitive sailing. Being on a start line with loads of other competitors was what I enjoyed and I couldn’t get enough of it. The intense battle on a race course in challenging conditions fires me up - I love it.
What classes have you sailed over the years?
I’ve sailed a variety of classes, including the Optimist, P Class, Starling, 29er, 49erFX, Stewart 34, and Elliott 7s, and of course, the ILCA 6 which is the class I’ll be racing in at the Games!
What is your best result to date?
My best result so far has been finishing 16th overall at the Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères in April this year. That was a massive achievement as it was my last chance to qualify for the ILCA 6 spot. It was an intense regatta but the goal was top 16 Nation, overall I finished 14th and considered it a massive personal achievement.
Before that it was at the 2023 Sail Sydney regatta where I finished 6th overall, qualifying New Zealand for a spot for the ILCA 6 lineup for the Olympics. Being able to qualify the country and myself is my proudest result.
Why did you choose the ILCA class?
I was drawn to the ILCA class because of the mental challenge it presents. I love the intensity of the big fleets, the close racing, and having to think for myself and make those decisions on the race course alone. There’s also the element of physical strength, and over the last couple of years, I’ve really enjoyed that aspect of sailing an ILCA. I’ve become stronger and fitter than I ever thought possible, and that’s been a huge help not only on the water but off the water as well. Being physically strong assists with mental strength.
Racing single-handed is a mind game, and the intensity of the ILCA 6 just makes it more challenging - but I thrive on that, which is why I love the class. I’d recommend that all sailors get out in the ILCA - it’s awesome!
When did you know you wanted to go to the Olympics?
Since I was a young girl, I’ve dreamed of going to the Olympics. However, it wasn’t until I finished my degree in November 2023 that this dream started to become a tangible reality. Wanting to go to the Olympics and then actually being selected is just an amazing feeling. It’s actually hard to describe!
Who is your sailing inspiration?
Liv Mackay, Molly Meech, and Sara Winther have always been my sailing inspirations. Their achievements and dedication to the sport are incredibly motivating.
I feel that Sara and I have a special connection now. She represented New Zealand in the 2012 London Olympic Games, and we haven’t had a representative in the class since then. I feel that she has handed the batten over to me and now it’s my responsibility to make sure the class keeps thriving here in New Zealand. Liv has achieved so much in her sailing career and watching her through the SailGP and now with the women’s America’s Cup is just awesome.
And Molly - she has done two Olympics and is always so calm and level-headed. I’m excited to be on the same team as her, being surrounded by so much knowledge and experience in the team is invaluable. All three of these sailors are what inspire me to keep going.
How did family trips influence your sailing career?
Our family trips on our Stewart 34, Playbouy, really played a significant role in my life.
We spent every Easter and Christmas holiday on or around the water, engaging in activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, foiling, sailing, and swimming, which instilled in me a deep love for the sea and practical life skills that have been invaluable in my sailing career. I’ll always be forever grateful for my parents giving me and my brothers and sister those opportunities.
Who has significantly helped you along the way?
Many people have supported my journey. Yachting New Zealand coaches and support staff, the APS team from HPSNZ, and my family, especially my Mum (Jane) and Dad (Guy), have been instrumental - and I have to mention my brothers and sister. They help keep things real. A special mention goes to Dan Slater, whose guidance on and off the water has been crucial, and to Suellen Hurling who has always been on hand when I needed some realistic moral support. I have to mention my close friends, who aren’t into sailing at all! They kind of understand what I’m doing, but having their support regardless of their lack of sailing knowledge has been a huge help - they give me the ability to switch off when I need to.
What does it mean to represent New Zealand?
Representing New Zealand is an absolute honour. Being part of such an amazing team and wearing the fern symbol is a reminder of the rich history and depth of talent in New Zealand sailing. Achieving dreams I once thought impossible at such a young age is humbling, and I see this as an opportunity to learn and grow, not just as a sailor but as a person.
What does it mean to represent women in sailing?
Representing women in sailing is about inspiring younger generations and creating pathways for young females to aspire to. It’s about showing that with dedication and hard work, they too can achieve their dreams in this sport. My journey in sailing has been a blend of family influence, personal passion, and relentless dedication. Every race, every challenge, and every triumph is a step closer to achieving my ultimate dream of competing in the Olympics and inspiring the next generation of sailors.
Greta headed off for Europe on the 2nd of June to compete in an array of lead-up regattas before the main event which kicks off on the 28th of July.
