
When It All Comes Together
Growing our youth through carefully chosen mentors, a boat, and the sea
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
— Steve Jobs
The time has come in my life where I can see how all of my earlier experiences are now coming together in preparation for something more.
Years of sailing. Years of leading projects, raising children, and guiding others. At first, they seemed like separate chapters. But now, I see they’ve all been shaping a deeper calling — one rooted in purpose, experience, and service.
In Japanese culture, there’s a concept called Ikigai — the place where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all intersect. This vision — of guiding young people through sailing and mentorship — feels like that place for me. A convergence of passion, skill, and impact.
The Sea as a Classroom
My connection to the sea began at eight years old, sailing alongside my father. Over the years that followed, we grew together — learning, making mistakes, and sailing on faster boats with stronger crews. I was surrounded by older guys who saw something in me. They gave me tasks during races I didn’t yet know I could do, trusting that I would rise to the challenge — and I did, again and again.
It was about being part of a team. That kind of mentorship builds self-belief that sticks.
And that belief is what I want to pass on.
From Vision to Reality
This idea isn’t just a dream — it’s something I’ve lived. While in Singapore, I helped lead a youth sailing program connected to Metazone’s Big Brother Big Sister initiative. We worked with young boys and girls, most of whom had never set foot on a boat. Each week, we exposed them to just a little more — mock racing scenarios, teamwork, self-reliance.
Over time, they transformed. Confidence grew. Friendships formed. Some of those young people still call me today — not to talk about sailing, but about life.
That’s legacy.
Why This Matters Now
Today’s families are stretched. Parents are doing their best, but time is scarce, and kids are growing up in a world full of noise and distraction. As a father, I know I’m in constant competition with screens.
But I’ve also seen what happens when I get my kids out on the water. They feel the wind, steer the boat, raise and lower the sails, and navigate challenges with growing independence. It starts as “Do we have to?” and becomes “When can we go again?”
This isn’t about pushing. It’s about inviting — making it fun, offering presence, and slowly building their confidence until they quietly realise: I’ve got this.
Not Just Any Sailing Program
There are many well-meaning programs out there. But too often, kids are pushed too far, too fast — thrown into dinghies before they’re ready, or nudged toward racing before they’ve recognised in themselves the skills they've already acquired.
Some walk away from sailing entirely after one bad experience. Others grow anxious or despondent in programs focused more on results than on simply being in nature, with friends, having fun.
What I’m proposing is something different.
A program rooted in mentorship.
Adventure, not anxiety.
Like: “Let’s sail to that island, have a beach barbecue, and splash around in the shallows before we sail home.”
It’s about joy, trust, and belonging — and letting racing, if it ever comes, be something the child chooses.
What Comes Next
We’ve covered the heart of the idea. Now it’s time to move forward — and that begins with thoughtful planning.
I’m looking to bring together people with experience in sailing, youth mentorship, or any field where the goal is to help young people grow into confident, capable adults. If you feel aligned with this vision and want to help shape a program that can scale meaningfully and globally, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s build something that lasts.