Olympic sailor Vaimo'oi'a Ripley made a stunning return to the Australian NSW State Masters at Lake Macquarie earlier this month, claiming First Women Master, First Apprentice, and Third Overall in the fiercely competitive 71-boat International Laser Class Association (ILCA) six fleet.

The road to the podium was not without hurdles. During Race Two on Day One, Ripley’s boom broke, impacting her performance for the rest of the event.  

In sailing, a boom is a spar located along the bottom edge of a fore-and-aft rigged sail, which enhances control over the sail's angle and shape. Its main function is to keep the lower part of the sail flat when it is angled away from the boat's centerline.

With the support of fellow competitor and mentor Jeff Loosemore, Ripley continued racing with adjustments.

"Facing a broken boom was tough, but it taught me resilience and adaptability. It’s moments like these that define you as an athlete," Ripley said.

Ripley’s performance marked significant progress from her 2024 results, where she placed 2nd Apprentice, 4th Female, and 40th Overall. This year’s success also earned her the prestigious ILCA Masters ‘cube’, awarded only in large fleets, underlining the significance of her achievement.

With the Masters category now including Apprentices from age 30, Ripley’s entry has further enhanced the elite-level competition and fresh energy in the fleet.

Competing alongside some of Australia’s top ILCA sailors, including former World Champions, Ripley showcased speed, racecraft, and tactical skills. In shifting 10-12 knot winds, she gained positions downwind, outmanoeuvring more experienced competitors.

Reflecting on the competitive Masters fleet, "Racing in the Masters fleet is an amazing teaching tool. Every regatta sharpens my strategy and race awareness. Competing with these sailors drives me to new heights." stated Ripley.

With 14 female competitors this year, Ripley’s success highlights the growing strength of women in Masters sailing.

Looking ahead to the Australian Masters in Westernport, Victoria (Feb 21–24), Ripley is focused on maintaining her momentum. "I’m excited to take on the next challenge. Every race is an opportunity to learn and improve," Ripley stated.