Aloha,
My name is Gavin. I’m an 18-year-old ILCA 7 sailor from Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, working toward competing at the highest level of Olympic-class sailing.
For the past two years, I’ve committed fully to this goal. Because there isn’t a strong ILCA fleet on the Big Island, I’ve been flying regularly to Oʻahu to train, race weekend regattas, and attend high-performance clinics with Olympic-level coaches. I train almost daily while balancing school as a senior. I also coach sailing at Na Hoa Holomoku in Hilo.
That work is paying off. I placed 3rd U18 at the Hawaiʻi ILCA State Championships and won overall at the Na Hoa Holomoku club championship in Hilo against experienced adult sailors. I’m proud to represent my home club and community as I take this next step.
This March 14 – 16 , I’ve been accepted to the CISA Advanced Racing Clinic at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and will compete in the ILCA Midwinters West Regatta on March 20 – 22 at Balboa Yacht Club in Southern California. CISA is the top elite youth clinic in the U.S., coached by Olympians at the future 2028 Olympic venue. Midwinters West brings together over 100 of the best sailors in the country and impacts national rankings and Youth World qualification.
Together, these events keep me in Southern California for roughly 10 days of training and competition at a national level. The Midwinters West will be my first mainland regatta and a major step from island-level competition to the national stage. It’s also a critical step in my long-term goal of competing at the ILCA World Championship level.
I’m raising $7,200 to cover:
• Entry fees
• Boat charters
• Flights from Hawaiʻi
• Local transportation
• Food
• Essential equipment purchases
If we exceed the base travel goal, additional funds will go directly toward purchasing permanent equipment that I’ll use for years to come. Right now, I have to rent key equipment at every regatta. Owning my own gear will allow me to train consistently and compete long-term, including in college sailing.
Living in Hawaiʻi means higher travel costs and fewer local opportunities, but it has also built resilience and independence in me as an athlete. I’m proud to represent Hawaiʻi and show that sailors from small island communities can compete nationally.
If you’re able to contribute, even a small amount helps me get to the starting line this March. Sharing this page also makes a real difference.
Mahalo for believing in my journey and helping me represent Hawaiʻi on the mainland stage!
Gavin
Senior @ George Washington University Online High School
7 AP Courses
17 Dual Enrollment Courses @ Coastline Community College
GPA: 3.87
Interested in what it looks like on the boat?! Check out the link below!