At 14-years-old, Kamila Czartolomna is the first girl in more than 10 years to be crowned national Honda RYA Youth RIB Champion (13-16).

The South Staffordshire teen also came runner-up in the most prestigious award in British junior sailing, the Young Sailor of the Year Award.

With three successful sailing years underneath her powerboat, I caught up with Kamila to talk about her experience with the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, Britain’s leading programme for young sailors.

 

Imagine being one of just three young people shortlisted for Young Sailor of the Year! What was your reaction when you got the news?
I was really surprised and wasn’t expecting it at all. I was also excited because I got the chance to go to such a big and important event.

What was your experience like attending the Awards Ceremony at Trinity House in London?
It was an exciting experience. It was an honour to be at the event with such great and experienced sailors, who have achieved so many things. I saw Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who are both living legends!

What do you love the most about being a sailor?
I love it because it’s a great sport, which teaches you many new skills and abilities. It’s also really fun and gives you the chance to meet new people with similar interests.

Previously you competed in the Honda R.Y.R Championship at the 8-12 years level. What has the journey been like getting from one level to another?
Every time that I competed in the Honda RYA Youth RIB challenge, I got better and better. The first year that I competed I came fifth in the national finals, the second year I came second and the last year I came FIRST. It just shows that if you practice something you will eventually get better at it and excel.

“The first year that I competed I came fifth in the national finals, the second year I came second and the last year I came FIRST.”

Career wise, is sailing something you would like to continue with or do you have other plans?
Sailing is something that I hope to continue in the future, but I would also like to continue power-boating and to eventually become a power-boating instructor, and pass on the skills I have been taught to others.

You were presented with a brand new powerboat on your 14th birthday. If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Someday, I would like to sail in Australia, because of the beautiful beaches and they have some of the most amazing waters in the world.

What advice can you give to aspiring sailors?
If you don’t succeed the first time you should keep trying and never give up, because if you practice hard enough and put in all of your effort then you will begin to achieve great things.

What advice can you give to a Skool Girl?
If you’ve never tried sailing you definitely should! It’s a great sport, it’s fun and it teaches you lots of new skills.

For more information about Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship:
Website: www.rya.org.uk