Four pathway sailors have been selected as PASS recipients for 2025, where they will be provided opportunities to access subsidised additional training and support through the Performance Academy programmes. We are proud to share that one of these sailors is Max Belcher!

What first sparked your passion for sailing, and how did you get started?

My passion for sailing started off with seeing all the great things all of the GCA boys have previously accomplished and wanting something similar for myself but at a higher and more professional level. 

What has been your most memorable experience on the water so far?

My most memorable moment on the water has either been winning the Sir Keneth Preston Trophy or the Foiling camp I participated in with the Performance Academy.  

How do you hope this scholarship will help you achieve your sailing goals?

I hope the scholarship programme will help me get to the next stage in terms of my sailing career. Getting that extra bit of time on the sea as I'm mainly a lake sailor. Also, fully committing to my rig change into the ILCA 6 and further progressing through the fleet. Furthermore, getting that little edge on the rest of the fleet by getting this high level of coaching. 

When you're not sailing, what are some of your other hobbies or interests?

I rarely have any free time as every week and weekend I am sailing but in a rare case scenario when I get a day or a couple hours to myself I love to ride my road bike and play a bit of football. 

Who or what inspires you most in your sailing journey and why?

My coach Matt Reid inspired me a lot throughout my sailing journey giving me all the coaching I could ask for and giving essential feedback. Furthermore, Matt is like me, we both had started very late compared to most of the fleet so we can discuss and talk about how he got so good in a short amount of time and share how he did.

If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Australia would be my number one destination, because it's well known for the quality of its water and its best athletes, so I could train with them…

Do you have any funny or embarrassing sailing moments you'd like to share? 

During my first ever event the ILCA  4 first Spring Qualifier in 2024, it was a very windy day and I was far out of my depths so at that point in time I did not know the difference between a Pico top section and a Laser one so I took out a Pico top section in 30 knots in my first event. It snapped, a pretty traumatic first event to say the least  

If you could have any sailing-related superpower, what would it be?

I wish i could be a wind God so I could give everybody 5 knots while I have 20, it does not say anything in a rule book about not being allowed to be a wind God, sweet!