Sailing is a sport that you would not expect most high school students to participate in. Although, that’s not the case for the student sailor Xyler Yee. Like most students, Yee dedicates his time to being a student during the day, but his true passion is where the rudders meet the water.
“I like it a lot, I think it’s kind of a commitment because it takes a while to rig and get out on the water and takes a while once you’re out there so it takes quite a bit out of your day, but it’s really fun,” said Yee.
Yee sails in big competitions and competes in the gold class, the highest level of the competition. Xyler’s success can be attributed to the many hours of practice he puts in each week.
“I am ranked number one in southern California, in Worlds I’m ranked number fourteen, and in Northern California I’m ranked tenth. Although I was ranked second in previous years,” said Yee.
Yee started his sailing journey at the age of 9. He says his dad influenced him to give sailing a try, and he soon fell in love with the sport.
“My dad sailed in college for a few years and told me it was very strategic and it was fun, so we did a weekend thing where I learned how to sail, and then I did a summer camp that led me to start sailing in competitions,” said Yee.
The student athlete explains the different sailing competitions along with the different classes that determine what skill level he competes against.
“In sailing we have regattas and those are our tournaments. There are a lot of different regattas in my class and there are different boats. The biggest in my class is the world’s regatta, there is North American, and then there’s the southern california series,” said Yee.
As a frequent racer, there is a lot of preparation that is needed to make sure Yee can perform at his best. He spends long hours on and off the water making sure he is ready for his next competition.
“I have a free sixth period for sailing on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can leave early and go sailing along with Saturdays too… I practice seven to eight hours a week,” said Yee.
His goal is to advance to continue to develop his passion for sailing and to take part in more competitions. Xyler suggests that people give sailing a try even though it is a more of a unique sport.
“I like sailing because I get to go fast in a boat and there are also nice tactical ways to interact with the boats,” said Yee.
