Members in the Spotlight - Spring
Rain Forbes
ORCV chatted with our youngest member, Rain Forbes, about what kindled her passion for sailing, how she started ocean racing and what are her aspirations for the sailing journey ahead.
During our conversation, the seventeen-year-old sailor could not stop smiling! When asked about her first-ever ocean race, Rain’s eyes lit up immediately. “I’ve never seen such big waves”, “I loved it” and “It was awesome” were all phrases used by Rain, as she slipped back into the moment. Rain’s passion for sailing is absolutely evident.
In addition to sharing her inspiring spirit and incredibly friendly personality, Rain is also a very mature teenager who understand the importance of getting experience before she could pursue her dream of one day sailing around the world. She decided to look to build her working life around her passion – sailing. Rain started through teaching and has recently joined North Sails as an apprentice.
Please, join ORCV as we learn more about what keeps our youngest member ticking!
ORCV: Tell us how you’ve found inspiration? Who are the key people in the sailing world you’ve looked up to and are following?
RAIN: I’ve read widely including Kay Cottie, Jessie Martin and Pete Gos – all inspirational. During lockdown last year I read Jessica Watson’s book which has really inspired me to follow my sailing goal, grow my independence and one day sail around the world. As soon as I’m ready, it would be awesome to do it and provide inspiration for others like me!
Presently I’m focusing on gaining experience and meeting people. I used to not know a lot, but having completed my Safety and Sea Survival and recently joining the Vertigo crew, I got to gain keelboat experience and will continue to look to build from here.
ORCV: Rain, you grew up in Bendigo, a long way from the bay or oceans, how did you discover a passion for sailing? What is your current work and study path?
RAIN: After a “moment” at a garage sale, my dad and I headed to a local sailing school at Lake Eppalock. It wasn’t until I gained by Assistant Instructors qualification at 12 years old, however, that I really fell in love with sailing. Then, teaching led me toward gaining my full instructors' certification, which was the best decision I’ve made!
After finishing Year 10, I was too distracted with the thoughts of sailing. I applied and was offered a position as a dinghy instructor in Melbourne. At sixteen, I was still living at home in Bendigo and travelled back and forth by train to Melbourne to work as a sailing instructor. I had lots of time to learn and be inspired with, sometimes, 5 books on the go all at once!
When I look back at my friends, who have lowered their expectations on school subjects, aren’t attending school or engaged with it... I still feel that it was the right decision to pursue sailing. My new direction is providing me with that great level of independence and – wow! – I’ve met some amazing people in the sailing world. I couldn’t have done this without my parents’ support, they give me the freedom to carve my own path.
ORCV: What’s your dream?
RAIN: As a 17-year-old, I’ve got a lot to learn and want to learn everything there is about sailing with a dream that one day to sail around the world.
ORCV: Tell us about your first ocean experience sailing the Coastal Sprint on Vertigo.
RAIN: I was so seasick, but I loved every minute of it!
ORCV: Rain’s large brimming smile clearly demonstrated the excitement of it all. In addition to a strong passion, Rain is also a quick learner.
RAIN: I’m prepared now for my next race to Apollo Bay and will manage the seasickness, add to my kit some thermals and better-wet weather gear. Being cold is horrible but keeping warm and being inside isn’t what I’m doing this for. I want to see the waves and dolphins and be part of the team.
ORCV: Since we first interviewed Rain, she has taken on an apprenticeship with North Sails and is “soaking” it all up and is known to talk passionately about her learning with each day being an “awesome” experience. Rain recently shared with us an update on her experience.
ORCV: What experiences have you had since we last chatted?
RAIN: Between instructing and regular training to enter the AWKR (Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta), I was fortunate enough to crew in the ORCV’S Apollo Bay and Blairgowrie races. Both were epic experiences and provided their own learning opportunities.
A tactical challenge and really getting to know my fellow crew members were great in the gentle run down to Apollo Bay, whilst the Blairgowrie race saw us sailing in some exciting conditions!
I’ve also recently taken on an apprenticeship trial with North Sails. I’m shocked at how much I’m enjoying it and alarmingly, it’s something I might stick with! Aaron and Victoria have been fantastic with all their support, in and out of the loft.
Huge news! I moved out of home on my 17th birthday, close to work in Sandringham. It’s very different to home, I’ve swapped the bush for the beach! It’s been tricky settling in with lockdown, but I’ve joined the Sandringham Yacht Club and have my dinghy there ready to go.
ORCV: What have you learnt about Ocean Racing and its community?
RAIN: I’ve learnt a crazy amount being a bowman whilst ocean racing. Simple stuff to do with set-up and trimming of sails was a whole new world. Falling into the flow of how everything works have been so cool!
I’ve learnt that a person’s attitude aboard and on the dock is really important. Reliable, prepared, and positive people are valuable assets when ocean racing. I’ve found we become a more proactive crew and give back to the team when in an uplifting environment.
My mind has been blown away by the ocean racing community. Many accommodating and friendly people gave me a leg up and welcomed me with open arms. Sharing a passion for sailing has led to making some true friends that I look up to. Joining the ORCV has been life-changing.
ORCV: What are you looking forward to next?
RAIN: I’m itching to discover and make the most of the sailing in Melbourne once lockdown ends. I’m excited to see where North Sails will take me. I’m really looking forward to all the future ocean racing and meeting everyone who is a part of it!
Shout out to team Vertigo! Clare and Tim Olding, Olga Kostochka and the Dunoon’s! Y’all ROCK!!!
ORCV: If we could all take some attitude and inspiration from Rain, the world would be amazing. We wish her all the best and are excited to see her progress on an incredible journey ahead.
(below The conditions may not be ideal but you can always see Rain’s smile. Photo: Tim Olding)
