Shaun Connor

Born into a sailing family on Sydney’s northern beaches, Shaun Connor was out on the water by the time he was four.

“I started sailing with my older brother in a Manly Junior at Middle Harbour Skiff Club, although I have always been out on the water since a newborn with my family,” Shaun said. “My mum and dad are both keen sailors and introduced me to it ever since I can remember.”

At the age of 14, Shaun teamed up with his mate Jim Colley, a fellow Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club sailor. Two years later the pair were off to the ISAF Youth World Championships in Portugal.

The pair began posting some significant results on the 49er circuit, culminating in a silver medal in 2023 at the prestigious Hyeres regatta in the south of France – a major event in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.

The medal was even more remarkable given Jim was sick at the start of the regatta and unsure whether he would be able to race.

“It’s a testament to Shaun, I’m full praise for him,” Jim said at the time. “He’s done everything for me this week, I only had to get on the boat and sail it. He took care of the rest.’’

A win in the 49er class at the Sail Sydney regatta in December 2023 by Jim and Shaun ensured an Olympic quota for Australia.

The tricky waters off Marseille, where the Paris Olympics sailing regatta will take place, will be no mystery to Shaun and Jim. The pair took part in an Olympic test event there in July 2023, arriving in the southern French city in early June to get in some extra training time.

"Super tricky conditions ... with the breeze shifting through a wide range and almost vacuums of wind at times,” Shaun said.

The multitude of challenges sailing throws up is what continues to fuel Shaun’s passion for the sport.

“I love sailing as it such a versatile, all-encompassing sport,” he said. “It challenges myself in all aspects of life, from requiring the people skills of teamwork, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving and technical areas of understanding the practical skills of physics and environment around you.

“Also, the sheer diversity of sailing really displays my love for the sport, with so many different disciplines, from Olympics to Ocean Racing.”

Shaun has a bachelor of construction management and property from the University of NSW and hopes to utilise his studies and experience to develop a dual career in sport and business.