Matt started sailing before he could walk and was taken out racing in his family’s 35’ keelboat on the Derwent River in Southern Tasmania whilst he was still in his bassinet. Mat’s family are well known and accomplished sailors.
His first boat was a Sabot and his current boat is an International 2.4mR
Other classes that Mat has sailed include the 12’ cadet, 420, 470, Laser, Cherub, Light Weight Sharpie and Etchells.
After becoming a paraplegic in a snowboarding accident at 23, Matthew decided to try to reach the pinnacle of Para-sailing, first in Australia and then internationally.
Based at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Matthew made his international debut at the 2010 IFDS World Disabled Sailing Championships at Medemblik, in the Netherlands.