The Victor Harbor Yacht Club successfully hosted the event in April this year, which saw 36 boats out on the bay at any one time, competing over three different courses.

Yachting SA officials singled out the two Fleurieu boys from more than 200 other young sailors for their “enthusiasm and potential.”

After eight hours flying time, Ben and Matt found themselves competing in the South Pacific Team Sailing championships, held in the Cook Islands.

Sailing in Sunburst dinghies, under the experienced eye of coach Ross Sutherland from New Zealand, the boys had to adjust to the light winds of the Pacific.

As well, there were coral outcrops, locally known as Bombers.

“If the wind goes over 15 knots, they cancel the race, because of the Bombers and the hazard they represent,” Ben explained.

“It was a complete contrast to Victor Harbor’s strong winds and more challenging conditions, but the whole eight days was “an awesome experience,” added Matt.

The boys’ success at international level proves adjustment to these changes was speedy indeed.

Matt won the most tactical sailor on the day award.

He was selected for a tri-national team and skippered the Australian team.

Ben was happy with the friends he made and the experience gained. “It was action packed, and it was an adrenaline fuelled and fun week,” Ben said.

Ben has set his sights now on “improving team sailing skills” as he takes the helm of the spectacular pink and white 420, ‘T-Rex Tsunami’ in Victor Harbor.

Matt dreams of winning a state sailing championship as he takes the helm of the sharpie ‘Fig Jam’.

Both boys are well on the way of realising winning potential.