Being recruited to the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) sailing team is a dream come true for Luke Parkinson.
Camera IconBeing recruited to the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) sailing team is a dream come true for Luke Parkinson. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Luke ready for global challenge

Staff ReporterWestern Suburbs Weekly

The 23-year-old said being recruited for the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) sailing team as an under-30 crew member last year was a ‘lifetime dream come true’.

Parkinson was selected by ADOR skipper and UK double-Olympian Ian Walker to help tackle the nine-month 40,000 nautical mile ocean race around the world in the ADOR yacht Azzam this October.

Next month, the former Christ Church Grammar School student will fly to Abu Dhabi to meet his crew-mates and see the city he will represent.

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‘I started sailing when I was five and I’ve been passionate about it ever since,’ he said.

‘I decided to continue to revolve my lifestyle around trying to make the best go at it that I can.

‘To me, doing the race is the biggest all-round challenge that provides the best sense of achievement and enjoyment. I just want to thank Abu Dhabi for giving me this chance.’

Parkinson said his qualifications in sail-making, first-aid, sea survival and radio operating had served him well over the years as a member of Australia Sailing Development Squad and the WA Institute of Sport.

‘This is the race that I have always dreamt of doing since I was a little kid,’ he said.

‘At least five or six days a week, I’ll be out on the water.

‘Being out there in the beautiful weather and climate is what I love most about sailing.’