Viliame “Vili” Ratulu, a distinguished figure in Fijian sailing, has returned from the United Kingdom with renewed aspirations for the future of sailing in Fiji. After successfully completing World Sailing’s 2025 Technical Coaching Course Levels 2 and 3 in Weymouth, Ratulu is keen to revitalize Fiji’s sailing culture and amplify youth development within the sport.
The four-week course, held from September 15 to October 11, brought together twelve coaches from around the world. With the backing of an Olympic Solidarity Coaching Scholarship, Ratulu represented the Fiji Yachting Association and delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining his mission to reconnect Fiji with its maritime heritage and establish a strong framework for youth development in sailing.
A significant takeaway from his training involved the necessity of empowering young athletes in both planning and goal-setting. Ratulu advocates for a coaching approach that adapts to the individual needs of each sailor, enabling them to progress at their own pace and develop not just as competitors but as holistic individuals. He emphasizes that coaching extends beyond the racecourse, focusing on cultivating life skills and character development.
On a technical level, Ratulu is dedicated to improving crucial racing skills within his team. His objectives include refining sailing techniques such as starts and mark roundings while enhancing tactical awareness across diverse wind conditions. To facilitate this, he is introducing a structured coaching framework that encourages athlete engagement through methods like Plan-Teach-Brief-Do-Review.
Furthermore, Ratulu acknowledges the importance of communication, trust, and leadership in fostering a resilient team culture. He acknowledges the challenge of earning parental support, particularly around youths’ concerns, yet remains hopeful that strong leadership can guide young sailors, instilling purpose and discipline.
Ratulu’s vision for the future of sailing in Fiji transcends merely training elite athletes. He outlines a comprehensive twelve- to twenty-four-month development plan aimed at revitalizing grassroots sailing. His ambitious goals include qualifying two male and two female sailors for upcoming national competitions in Australia and New Zealand in the ILCA 4 category, and transitioning two female participants to ILCA 6 by 2027 to compete in the Pacific Games.
Reflecting on his journey, Ratulu expresses deep appreciation for his international peers, whom he now views as family. He shares a powerful message: “You can’t change the wind, but you can adjust your sails,” embodying his commitment to adaptability and determination in nurturing the next generation of Fijian sailors.
Ratulu’s insights and aspirations bring a hopeful outlook for the future of sailing in Fiji, instilling fresh energy and a commitment to developing the sport among youth. As he returns home from this transformative experience, the foundations he aims to establish could very well sustain a vibrant sailing community for years to come.