Ripley returns to Tahiti and claims top female honours
Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley has been recognised as the leading female sailor at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, marking another important milestone in her journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Hosted by the Yacht Club de Tahiti, the Championships brought together Tahiti’s emerging sailing talent as part of their preparations for the 2027 Pacific Games, which will be hosted in French Polynesia next year.
Ripley was the sole international competitor in the ILCA 6 fleet, proudly representing Samoa and continuing to build valuable race experience against a talented group of local sailors.
The regatta held special significance for Ripley, who first competed internationally in Tahiti as a young sailor more than two decades ago.
“Returning to Tahiti has been a full-circle moment for me,” Ripley said.
“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.”
“Tahiti has a deep connection to the ocean and sailing, and it was a privilege to race alongside such a passionate and talented group of sailors.”
Ripley said the event provided valuable competition as she continues her campaign towards Los Angeles 2028 while strengthening relationships across the Pacific sailing community.
“One of the things I love most about our sport is the friendships and connections that are built across the Pacific. While we compete fiercely on the water, we also share a common love for the ocean and for representing our islands with pride.”
Ripley extended her sincere thanks to the organisers, supporters and partners who helped make the trip possible.
“I would like to thank the Yacht Club de Tahiti for hosting such a fantastic event and for making me feel so welcome throughout the week.”
“A special thank you also goes to Celine, Yann and Livia Le Roux for their incredible hospitality, generosity and friendship during my stay in Tahiti.”
Ripley also acknowledged the sailors who took part in the regatta and the role they are playing in the lead-up to the 2027 Pacific Games.
“The future of sailing in Tahiti is incredibly bright. It was inspiring to see the dedication and commitment of the sailors who are preparing for next year’s Pacific Games.”
She also recognised the organisations supporting her own Olympic journey.
“I am deeply grateful to NB Sail Sports, Vaikobi, Woollahra Sailing Club, the Samoa Sailing Association, the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), and the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Programme for their continued belief in my campaign.”
“The support of these organisations allows athletes from small island nations like Samoa to access international competition opportunities and continue representing our countries on the world stage.”
Ripley made history in 2024 when she became Samoa’s first female Olympic sailor at the Paris Olympic Games. She is now focused on building towards qualification for Los Angeles 2028 while continuing to advocate for pathways and opportunities for future generations of Pacific sailors.
As she looks ahead to the next phase of her campaign, Ripley says the experience in Tahiti serves as a reminder of how far the journey has come.
“When I first came here as a young sailor, I could never have imagined that one day I would return as an Olympian. It reminds me that big dreams are possible, even when you come from a small island nation.”
