MORNINGTON Yacht Club’s Jack Eickmeyer, 17, is Australian Sailing Victoria’s Youth Sailor of the Year.
The win, announced at the organisation’s annual awards in early September, recognises Eickmeyer’s performance at a state, national and international level over the past year.
Club spokesman Peter Davey said Eickmeyer has always worked hard to hone his sailing skills, putting in time with his training partners at MYC and through the scholarships he earned with the Victorian Institute of Sport.
Although Eickmeyer led the charge, Davey said Mornington Yacht Club was well represented on the night, with Lachie Weber first in the Victorian Sailing Cup in the Laser Radial class, and Olivia Cameron and Lily Fogarty first in the 420 dinghy.
James Jackson and Weber were co-captains in Peninsula Grammar’s winning Victorian Schools State Championship team, and Eickmeyer, Weber, Sophie Jackson, Fogarty and Matilda Richardson were acknowledged as MYC’s six Australian Sailing Victorian Youth Scholarship winners out of a state total of only 18.
Davey said the high performances came about through personal endeavour and reflected the support network provided through MYC’s training and development program.
Club commodore Andrew Young said the club was committed to the inclusiveness and growth of youth sailing in Mornington.
“The commitment to hard work combined with the obvious comradery among this group is terrific to witness and inspiring to the next crop of young sailors” he said.
“Credit is also due to their coaches, volunteers and parents supporting these efforts.”
