BLAIRGOWRIE Yacht Squadron’s Samantha Batty is riding a wave of pride after being named a finalist in the Community Coach of the Year category in the Victorian Sports Awards. The 21-year-old has been a part of the squadron since she was aged seven, and a fully-fledged instructor since 2022. “It’s great to be part of the sailing community not only as a coach but also a competitor, and it’s fantastic to see the sport get some recognition,” said Batty.
The Vic Sports Awards, which has 18 categories, celebrates the achievements of home-grown sporting heroes at both a grassroots and high-performance level. While the news of being nominated as a finalist took her by surprise, Batty said it was a huge honour and something she was very grateful for.
As a coach, Batty has trained many young people ranging from young beginner sailors in Minnows and Opti’s (aged seven -13), to primary and secondary school groups, adult sailors, and youth intermediate sailors in ILCA’s and Pacers (aged 14-17).
She said coaching had become a key part of her life and something “extremely rewarding” to be a part of a “beginner’s journey and helping them build the confidence and fundamental skills needed to continue sailing into the future”. “Dad is my greatest role model and my best teacher – his encouragement and mentorship sparked my interest in coaching and sharing my sailing knowledge,” she added. Her role includes running informative and fun sessions, coordinating assistant instructors, organising and preparing safety equipment and providing on water and off water support.
When not in the water, Batty balances her role of coaching with studying a double degree in Bachelor of Arts (sociology and behavioural studies) and a Bachelor of Criminology, with aspirations of joining Victoria Police. She’s also still involved in competitive sailing including club racing and represents the squadron at state regattas, and Victoria in national regattas in the Sabre class.
Asked what a highlight of her career would be, she said it was winning the Victorian Sailing Instructor of the Year Award in 2024. “During the 2023/24 summer sailing season I worked really hard alongside my assistant instructors to promote the sport of sailing on the peninsula by providing a fun and inclusive environment for beginner sailors,” she said.
“Leading the beginner group in Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron junior sail training program, I spent morning sessions on the water, as well as spending time with parents to help in rigging and support as they experienced a new sport. “As a sailor I have learnt the importance of community and being part of a passionate group of sailors who share the same love for the sport and the water.”
The Victorian Sports Awards ceremony will be held on 14 May at the Melbourne Cricket Club.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 April 2025
