Laura Thomson recently marked an unforgettable milestone in her sailing career by competing in her first-ever Sydney to Hobart race. Sailing on the Ocean Crusaders, a boat steered by the founders of the Ocean Crusaders Charity, Laura not only challenged herself on one of the world’s most renowned sailing events but also supported a cause close to her heart: ocean clean-up and sustainability in waste reduction.
The Ocean Crusaders crew finished an impressive third in their division, and their performance was further celebrated as they claimed the prestigious Jane Tate Memorial Trophy for Best Female Skipper. This was a tremendous achievement, with Laura playing a pivotal role on the boat as the "Pit and Sail Trim."
Reflecting on the experience, Laura shared, “Competing in the Sydney to Hobart is the goal of most competitive sailors, but to be able to do it with your partner and friends representing a great cause – that’s just the ultimate dream come true. I am so grateful for the connections that awarded me this experience. It just shows how important putting yourself out there is!”
The race was a blend of professional accomplishment and personal fulfillment, aligning with Laura’s commitment to environmental causes. Ocean Crusaders, which raises awareness about ocean pollution and sustainability, was the perfect platform for Laura to merge her love for sailing with her passion for making a difference.
In 2023, Laura made the difficult decision to step away from Olympic-class sailing. Reflecting on this chapter of her career, she explained, “Unfortunately, my skipper decided to retire to get on with real life, and Australian sailing didn’t have any other female talent to take her position. Without anyone over about 16 years old to take her place, I basically had to take a step back and wait for a phone call to step up if someone got hurt or a skipper wanted to come out of retirement. The phone call never came, so I got on with life, I guess!”
Now, Laura is focused on her studies and is nearing the completion of her Master’s in Primary and Secondary Teaching (Humanities and SOSE) at Deakin University, with just two teaching practicums left to complete before graduating in 2025. Her journey into teaching, she notes, was inspired by her own experiences at Albury High School, where she felt deeply motivated by the support and guidance she received.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and inspiration that I got growing up. My motivation to get into teaching was reflecting on how much Albury High shaped me,” she said, highlighting the importance of mentorship and community in her life.
As she transitions from competitive sailing to teaching, Laura Thomson continues to demonstrate how passion, hard work, and a drive to make a positive impact can propel one to new heights, both on the water and in the classroom.
