More than two decades after first sailing internationally in Tahiti as a young girl, Samoan Olympian Vaimo'oi'a Ripley has returned to the same waters to claim top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships.
The event, hosted by the Yacht Club de Tahiti, brought together some of Tahiti’s emerging sailing talent as preparations continue for the 2027 Pacific Games, which will be held in French Polynesia next year.
Ripley was the only international competitor in the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) 6 fleet and represented Samoa against what was described as a talented group of local sailors. The races were held in Baie de Matavai, Tahiti, from 26 to 30 May, 2026.
The competition also marked a special return for Ripley, who first competed internationally in Tahiti more than 20 years ago as a young sailor.
“Returning to Tahiti has been a full-circle moment for me,” Ripley said in a press release. “This was the location of my very first international regatta when I was around ten years old. To come back now as an Olympian representing Samoa is incredibly special."
