Aye aye Cap’n Georgia - life on the ocean wave as a junior sailing star with type 1 diabetes

Georgia Barker has just turned 11, and this year she finished the sailing season ranked 69th overall in the country – the youngest child in the rankings. Georgia also happens to have type 1 diabetes.

Diagnosed at 18 months old after Georgia’s parents noticed she was peeing a lot, her dad Dan said the family had no idea what the difference between type 1 and type 2 disease was – and that neither he nor Georgia’s mum have any family history.

Dan is the inspiration for Georgia taking to the water, having sailed competitively as a child.

“I love the resilience it brings you, the self-reliance and the ability to be able to fix mistakes,” said Dan.

Georgia Barker in action on the waves.

Georgia could be sailing a regatta for over six hours when she has to self-manage her diabetes, while in race conditions – and the kids take things pretty seriously according to Dan!

“We have to get a dispensation for her to wear the Dexcom CGM and the pump, because no electronics are allowed on the boats,” he said.

Last year on a really windy day after capsizing, Georgia had a huge hypo while sailing to the top mark, lost orientation and started sailing in a random direction. She abandoned that race, but it didn’t hold her back.

“Yachting has helped me manage my numbers and has helped me overcome being scared of new situations. Being fit enough to compete has also helped me manage my diabetes,” said Georgia.

This year, Georgia is off to Qingdao in China with a team of three other girls representing New Zealand as part of the NZIODA (New Zealand International Optimist Dinghy Association) team. As well as taking part in some fantastic cultural opportunities, Georgia will meet other sailors from 30 other countries.

Keep your eyes on Georgia!