Local sailor to guide 007 in Australia
By Etienne Emanuel

The vast Pacific Ocean is a resource enjoyed by many. However, the ocean is not for everyone - its deep floors are home to a world far apart from this one here on land. Yet the sound of the sea beckons to a certain few, and they will spend long hours at its surface.

One of those is Blair Johnston.

Blair, who will be a freshman at Nordhoff this coming fall, spends her free time sailing 8-foot skiffs throughout Southern California and will be traveling to Australia as well. She mainly sails and races in Santa Barbara, as part of the Santa Barbara Yacht Club. Her father, Bruce, introduced her to skiff sailing when she was just 9 years old.

"I have been out on the ocean for years and I was just hoping she would enjoy it," said Bruce. "I had no idea she would pick it up this quick."

Within a few years, Blair was sailing competitively. She placed second in the Sabot National tournament held at Mission Bay in San Diego. She raced against youths from all over California and even as far away as Italy.

"It's just so much fun," said Blair. "Racing is very tactical and precise, but the feeling of being out on the ocean is just indescribable. Plus I enjoy getting to meet all the people from around the world who sail, too."

Races consist of a several skiffs that must sail laps around buoys. "The start of every race is critical, every boat is positioning for the best wind. Then the other tricky part is tacking around the buoys. Some are better then others, but anyone can do it," Blair said.

And though sailing seems to many a complicated and frustrating process, Blair counters that the hardest part is "just getting started. I am glad I did get started, because from there I've been hooked."

Among other things, Blair is considering a proposal to Nordhoff athletic director Dick Sebek to get a sailing club going that would compete with the local high schools in Santa Barbara.

"I know it could be popular, and with support we could build a good program. People would really enjoy it, and also it would really round out our sports programs at Nordhoff," said Blair.

The Johnstons will travel and stay in Australia while Blair participates and races in the exchange program between the Santa Barbara Sea Shell Association and Australia's Yacht Club.

Besides sailing, Blair can hold her own on the tennis court, as well. She just returned from tennis camp in Big Bear.
Following in the footsteps of sister Emily, who was Nordhoff's No. 1 singles player last year, Blair is also planning on playing tennis at NHS.

Blair also competed in the Ojai Recreation Department's World Team Tennis League for kids to sharpen her skills for high school - and the prestigious Weil Tennis Academy, where she was recently accepted to attend on scholarship.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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