Samoan Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley has continued her remarkable journey in international sailing.

She secured first place in the Female Master, first in Apprentice Master, and 11th overall in the ILCA 6 boat division at the 2025 Oceania and Australian ILCA Masters Championships.

The event held at Westernport Yacht Club, Balnarring Beach, Victoria, saw Ripley compete against some of the world’s most accomplished ILCA sailors, including former Olympians, world champions, and seasoned Masters competitors.

Ripley’s performance marks a significant milestone in her journey. She began racing alongside this elite group when she moved to Sydney in 2021/2022 to train for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing against the Masters fleet—including her former Emerging Nations Program coach, Jon Emmett, who is currently visiting from the UK—brought her development full circle.

"Racing in the Masters fleet was a key part of my preparation for my first Olympic campaign. Back then, I was learning from sailors who had been to the Games and won world championships,” she said.

“To return now and finish as the top female master and apprentice master is an incredible moment. I am thankful to the Lord Almighty for blessing me to continuously represent Samoa, and I am proud to show that Pacific sailors can compete and thrive at this level."

Ripley’s Olympic campaign has been driven by the support of her sponsors and community, and she wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to Jeff and Jacqui, NB Sail Sport, the von Zitzewitz family, Middle Harbour Amateur Sailing Club, Woollahra Sailing Club, and Soham Yoga for making this competition achievable.

As she sets her sights on qualifying for Los Angeles 2028, Ripley remains committed to representing Samoa on the global stage, inspiring the next generation of Pacific sailors, and embracing her heritage as an ocean navigator.