A small South African charity with a big heart and an even bigger mission is making waves on the international stage again and now it’s calling on South Africans to rally behind it.
The Little Optimist Trust & Sailing Academy has been named one of four finalists for the prestigious 2026 World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Impact Award, recognising organisations making a meaningful difference through the sport of sailing.
Flying the South African flag against finalists from the United States, Germany and India, The Little Optimist Trust now has an opportunity to bring this international accolade home, but it needs the help of all South Africans, and there is less than one week to vote.
The award forms part of the annual World Sailing Awards, which celebrate the very best in international sailing, as well as organisations using the sport as a force for positive change.
For The Little Optimist Trust, this nomination is about far more than winning a trophy. It represents an opportunity to shine an international spotlight on South Africa, demonstrate the transformative power of sailing and challenge perceptions about who gets to participate in a sport traditionally associated with privilege.
Built on the belief that sailing can inspire hope, confidence and opportunity, The Little Optimist Trust is helping to make the sport more accessible to young people, opening doors to experiences and possibilities they may never otherwise have imagined.
Founder of the organisation, Greg Bertish, says the nomination represents a defining moment for the Trust and its vision.
“This is an enormous honour, not just for The Little Optimist Trust, but for South Africa. We have an opportunity to put our country on the map and show the world how sailing can change lives. More importantly, we want to help change the face of sailing worldwide, making it a sport that welcomes, inspires and empowers young people from every background.
“To be recognised alongside such incredible international organisations is already a huge achievement. But to win would send an even more powerful message: that a small South African organisation with a big dream can make a real difference on the world stage.
“We’re asking every South African to get behind us. You don’t have to know anything about sailing to make a difference. All you need to do is cast your vote and help us bring this award home.”
The winner will be determined through a combination of public voting and an expert judging panel, with each contributing 50% towards the final result.
That means public support could play a decisive role in determining whether South Africa takes home the title.
With voting closing at 14h00 South African time on Monday, 2 November 2026, The Little Optimist Trust is urging South Africans, to get behind the campaign and spread the word.
The winner will be announced at the World Sailing Awards ceremony in Qingdao, China, on Wednesday, 18 November 2026.
HOW TO VOTE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
- Visit the official World Sailing Awards 2026 page.
- Follow the voting link and select The Little Optimist Trust (RSA).
- Submit your vote before 14h00 (SAST) on Monday, 2 November.
- Share the campaign with friends, family, colleagues and your social networks.
One small vote. One big opportunity. One South African organisation ready to make waves around the world.
Let’s show the world what South African optimism can achieve.
