Felicity aims for Olympics

Felicity Ellis trains in her Optimist for Monday's regatta. Picture / Richard Robinson

Felicity Ellis will be on the water on Monday - one of hundreds of youngsters in the 166th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.

The 11-year-old St Cuthbert's College pupil is a member of the Kohimarama Yacht Club, the only girl in the club's Division One grade.

Growing up in a family of boys has just made Felicity more determined to succeed. Her brothers took her out on their yachts and at eight she began sailing lessons. This will be her third regatta. She won minor prizes for her age group in the other two.

"My main goal is to get into the Olympics or be the first girl on Team NZ," she said.

The boat which Felicity will sail in the Herald-sponsored regatta was passed down through her family starting with her eldest brother.
Sailing takes up four days of Felicity's week. She also swims, plays soccer, does drama and plays the trumpet, which only leaves her with one day off.

"I don't mind, though, it gives me something to do," she said.

Felicity's mother, Pauline Ellis, doesn't mind driving her four children from Epsom to Kohimarama Beach most days because sailing is a "wonderful family activity".