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Blog submitted by Joshua Higgins | Bahamian ILCA 7 Sailor & Rooster Ambassador
When people think about my sailing journey, they often think about international competitions, long training days and my goal of representing The Bahamas at the Olympic Games. However, there’s another side of my sailing career that means just as much to me: coaching.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel internationally, compete against some of the world’s best sailors and learn from experienced coaches. These experiences have helped shape me not only as an athlete but also as someone who wants to give back to the sport that has given me so much.
Sharing My Experience With the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been working with young sailors across The Bahamas, including in Nassau, Exuma and Harbour Island.
Through coaching sessions and sailing clinics, I’ve been able to share the knowledge I’ve gained from competing internationally while helping young sailors develop their own skills and confidence on the water.
For me, coaching goes beyond teaching someone how to sail a boat faster. It’s about helping them understand the importance of preparation, discipline, decision-making and resilience.
These are lessons I’ve learned firsthand throughout my own racing career.
Bringing International Experience Back Home
Competing internationally has exposed me to different sailing conditions, racing styles and training environments. Every event teaches me something new, whether it’s about boat handling, tactics, physical preparation or the mental side of competition.
Being able to bring that experience back home and share it with younger sailors is something I take great pride in.
I particularly enjoy watching sailors begin to understand concepts they’ve previously struggled with. Seeing their confidence grow and their performance improve is incredibly rewarding.
Balancing Coaching and Competition
Balancing my own training and international racing schedule with coaching isn’t always easy, but I believe both roles complement each other.
Coaching challenges me to explain techniques clearly, think more deeply about sailing fundamentals and constantly improve my own understanding of the sport.
At the same time, continuing to compete internationally allows me to bring fresh knowledge and experience into my coaching.
Building the Future of Bahamian Sailing
The Bahamas has an incredible sailing history, and I believe there is tremendous potential for the next generation of sailors.
My personal ambition is to represent The Bahamas at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, but my vision extends beyond my own results.
I want to help create opportunities for younger sailors to develop, compete internationally and believe that they too can achieve great things in the sport.
If I can help inspire even a few young sailors to pursue their goals with greater confidence and determination, then the work I’m doing as a coach is worthwhile.
More Than Just Sailing
Sailing has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the racecourse. It has taught me patience, independence, resilience and the importance of never giving up when things become difficult. These are the same values I hope to pass on to the next generation through coaching.
I’m grateful to have Rooster supporting my journey, not only as I continue working towards my Olympic goals but also as I give back to the sport that has given me so much.
For me, success isn’t only about what I achieve on the water. It’s also about the impact I can have on the sailors coming behind me.
Joshua Higgins
Bahamian ILCA 7 Sailor | Rooster Ambassador
