Fiji’s sailing community is abuzz with excitement following Viliame “Vili” Ratulu’s recent accomplishment of completing World Sailing’s Technical Coaching Course Levels 2 and 3 in Weymouth, United Kingdom, from September 16 to October 11. This initiative, funded through the Olympic Solidarity’s Coaching Scholarship program, brought together Ratulu and 11 other participants to enhance their coaching skills in sailing.
In his final presentation, Ratulu shared his vision for nurturing a dynamic sailing culture in Fiji while addressing critical gaps in youth sports development. His aim is to inspire a maritime identity among Fijians and establish formal pathways for aspiring young sailors to thrive in the sport. This renewed focus is particularly timely, as sailing can play a significant role in community building and youth engagement.
Ratulu’s training has transformed his coaching approach, placing a strong emphasis on athlete participation in goal-setting and tailoring coaching techniques to meet individual needs. He highlighted the importance of a coach’s role in shaping young athletes, advocating for a holistic approach that prepares them to be not just skilled competitors, but also well-rounded individuals.
Looking ahead, Ratulu intends to shift his training strategies toward achieving competitive excellence. He advocates for a “racing mode” among athletes, emphasizing the importance of finishing ranks over merely crossing the finish line. This involves designing structured training sessions that engage athletes while ensuring the process remains enjoyable, following a Plan–Teach–Brief–Do–Review cycle.
Communication and trust stand out as vital elements of effective coaching for Ratulu. He has recognized the challenges in building confidence among parents, particularly regarding negative influences like drugs. With enhanced leadership skills from his training, he is poised to fill this gap, steering young athletes toward positive experiences and healthy choices.
Ratulu is also committed to collaborating with fellow coaches, fostering an environment of shared goals and mutual support. His training has broadened his perspective from grassroots initiatives to high-performance outcomes, motivating him to revamp his coaching methods and the way feedback is communicated to newcomers in the sport.
In the coming 12 to 24 months, Ratulu aims to establish a robust grassroots foundation in sailing, with performance objectives that include qualifying two male and two female sailors in ILCA 4 for the Australian and New Zealand nationals, and transitioning two female athletes to ILCA 6 by 2027 in preparation for the Pacific Games.
Concluding his presentation, Ratulu expressed gratitude towards his fellow participants, now regarded as part of his “sailing family.” He encapsulated his experience with the inspiring notion that while the conditions on the water may be beyond control, the sails can always be adjusted. This sentiment reflects his hopeful vision for Fiji’s youth in sailing, fostering both sporting success and community unity.