Young Riley nails it solo

Most adults would be wary of taking a yacht out on the water by themselves, but not 14-year-old Riley Nail.

The Cape Naturaliste College student has won the latest Busselton Freight Rising Sports Star award for his incredible achievements in sailing.

Riley said he was “happy and surprised” to receive the award after being nominated by the Geographe Bay Yacht Club.

After following his father’s interest in sailing as a nine-year-old, Riley came first in the State Pelican Championships in his home waters in January.

The Pelican is a class of vessel used to train junior sailors.

Riley beat 37 competitors, many older than him, to win the title.

“It was amazing, ” he said.

“It’s been a bit of a dream to win it against all my friends from Perth and Geraldton and Esperance.

“To have it at home and come out on top was really good.”

Riley said he enjoyed the challenges of sailing and participated in the sport every week in summer.

“It makes you very independent, ” he said.

“There’s no one on the water to tell you what to do — you’ve got to make your own decisions.”

Riley has won the GBYC Pelican Easter Regatta for the past two years and is the Pelican Club Champion.

He is also known as an exemplary role model on and off the water, often assisting younger crew members.

Riley learnt to sail on former Commodore Kevin Rose’s Pelican yacht, but has recently progressed to a Laser 4.7.

He said this was a new challenge.

“It’s only one person, it’s only got a main sail instead of a spinnaker and a main, ” he said. “(My next goal) is to be able to sail my Laser competitively.”

After receiving his award, Riley put out a special thank-you to Mr Rose for being a “great mentor”.

The Busselton Freight Services Rising Sports Star awards are proudly supported by the Times.

For a nomination form, email editor@bdtimes.com.au or visit the office at 59 Queen Street, Busselton.