An accomplished sailor, who was shown the ropes to the sport from Ulladulla Harbour, said commentating at sailing’s debut at the Invictus Games was the “icing on the cake” for her career.
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Nicole Douglass was the sailing expert on ABC’s broadcast of sailing events at the games in Sydney Harbour over the weekend.
“The Invictus Games is something that is incredibly special,” Ms Douglass said to The Times.
“I don’t think any of us can deny how much our defence forces assist in keeping us safe and then these guys happen to be have been injured as well, and now sailing, well sport, is helping to save them in general as well.
“It’s incredibly amazing to watch how these people can morph their lives back to something that’s positive through sport. I think it’s really special.”
Ms Douglass worked in the public relations/advertising space while continued to compete at international levels, including selection to the Australian women’s match racing squad for the 2012 Olympic Games.
She transitioned to a sailing commentator in 2014 following the rising success of her “on the ground” approach with her blog and Facebook page Adventures of a Sailor Girl.
Ms Douglass now commentates at about 50 different events around the globe each year, including the Sydney to Hobart, America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.
Ms Douglass said she was excited and elated she could provide expert insight as a female commentator at the Invictus Games.
“It’s nice to represent female sailors as well and I’m really proud,” she said.
“From the outside, I think, it seems to be quite a male-dominated sport. At a youth level there are so many women coming through. It’s just a matter of keeping women in the sport”.
The former St Mary’s, St John’s and Shoalhaven Anglican School student praised the Australian sailing community for its support, and her father Rob Douglass for introducing her to the sport before she could walk.
“I think I’m one of the lucky ones whose managed to find a passion and make it their career. Doing something I love everyday is both rewarding and punishing, but you learn a lot about yourself, so I’m very happy.”
Nicole and Rob are eight-time national champions in the Taser class. They will attempt to win their third World Championship next year.
Third consecutive Sailing Australia award
Ms Douglass was presented with her third consecutive Sport Promotion award at the Australian Sailing award ceremony on Friday, October 19.
“Thank you so much all for loving sailing and following the adventures,” Ms Douglass said to her 30,000 Facebook followers.
“This award is dedicated to ‘Pillow’, Matt Owen.
“Hopefully I can continue to be as passionate about our sport as he was, every day, in his legacy.”
Before the event Ms Douglass said to The Times she did not expect to take home a hat-trick of promotion awards.
“But, I’m very proud to be nominated again. Hopefully I can keep pushing the envelope in terms of sailing commentary,” Ms Douglass said.
The competitive sailor turned her passion for the sport into a media career in 2014.
