From pup tent to forty knots: Sharon on grit, speed, and building real pathways

In this Ninepin episode, Sharon Ferris Choat traces a line from a first weekend on a family yacht to Olympic starts, round the world racing, and speed records over forty knots. The spark began in the Bay of Islands with a dinghy, a pup tent, and a school sailing team that insisted on values first. That early structure led to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Youth Academy, match racing overseas, and two Olympic campaigns. Along the way, she learned that preparation is not only physical and technical, but also mental, after a raw media moment during trials nearly derailed a winning run.

Sharon returns often to the Bay of Islands and calls it the most special place to sail, from sunrise arrivals with dolphins to night entries that demand calm navigation. She loves modern foiling for its fitness and spectacle and shares stories from managing a GC32 team in Russell, then stepping back onto maxi cats for record breaking runs that required perfect sea state and teamwork.

The constant thread is safety and professionalism. Lithium systems are boxed and monitored, safety procedures are meticulously drilled, and future upgrades point to hydro generation for reliable and safe charging at speed. Her advice to emerging sailors, especially women, is direct. Get the qualifications that make a boat eligible, build fitness, ask questions, and pick up the phone. Doors open for those who do the work and make themselves valuable.

Vixen Racing stands in that space. A fast Class 40 with pro systems, real roles, and a clear pathway to offshore opportunity, ready to welcome sailors at Bay of Islands Sailing Week and beyond.

Listen to the full podcast here