Supporting the next generation of Chinese New Zealanders: Christchurch's 10-year-old Isabel Ma sets sail for the 2026 Qingdao International Optimist Regatta

Along the coast of New Zealand's South Island, a small figure can often be seen setting sail. She is Isabel Ma, a 10-year-old girl of Chinese heritage. On weekends, during holidays and after school each day, she loves taking her little yacht out into the wind to practise again and again.

Her sailing dream began with True Spirit, a film based on a true story. In the film, 16-year-old Jessica sails solo around the world. For Isabel, it was more than an adventure story: it brought home the courage, concentration and freedom of sailing. After the film, she told her parents something they would never forget: “I want to be like her and let the wind take me further.”

From then on, she began learning to sail and committed herself to training.

From a dream on screen to dedication on the water

Sailing is not an easy sport.

Children must learn to read the wind, control the boat and understand currents, while dealing with changing weather and sea conditions in training. For a child, it is as much mental training as physical exercise.

Over the past two years, Isabel has steadily built her experience through training. She has learnt to stay steady in strong winds and, after mistakes that send her into the water, to climb back aboard and finish her session. Her coaches often say she has a special resilience and truly loves sailing.

With this steady dedication, Isabel has continued to improve in local competitions. Recently, she drew widespread attention by winning the Optimist Green division at the 2026 PredictWind youth girls' sailing regatta.

Now Isabel has a rare opportunity: to represent young Chinese New Zealanders at the 2026 International Optimist Regatta in Qingdao, China.

Why Qingdao? Why this competition?

Qingdao is known as China's sailing capital and has hosted Olympic sailing events. The International Optimist Regatta is described as the “Olympics for young sailors” and is a highly significant platform in global youth sailing.

For 10-year-old Isabel, this is more than a competition: it is a valuable opportunity to grow.

She will have the chance to compete alongside young sailors from different countries and regions, receive expert guidance from international coaches and race officials, and learn to communicate and build confidence through sport. As a young New Zealander of Chinese heritage, she will also take to the international sporting stage and show the spirit of a new generation in the Chinese community.

Why is community support needed?

To enable Isabel to compete, her family needs to cover the following costs:

1. Return international flights between New Zealand and China

2. Competition entry and certification fees

3. A pre-event training camp and coaching support

4. Equipment transport or hire

5. Local accommodation and transport

The estimated total cost is approximately NZD 10,000.

For an ordinary family, this is a substantial expense. But for a child who trains hard and holds on to her dream, it is a ticket to the world.

Isabel's family therefore hopes that crowdfunding and community support will help make her participation possible. Every donation, whatever its size, will support her competition, training and related travel arrangements.

This is not a commercial sponsorship project or simply a publicity campaign. Above all, it is a practical way for the Chinese community to support the next generation's growth.

Why is NZCBIA taking an interest?

The New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association (NZCBIA) has long taken an interest in the development of the Chinese community, as well as the next generation's growth and integration into New Zealand life.

After moving to New Zealand, many Chinese families hope their children will not only work hard academically, but also take a fuller part in sport, outdoor activities and local community life. Sailing offers an excellent way to do this: it teaches children independence, judgement and teamwork, while helping them build confidence in real-world conditions.

Isabel's story is modest, but real.

A film first drew her to sailing. Through two years of training, she has gradually worked her way onto the podium at a New Zealand youth girls' event. Now she hopes to keep moving forward, learning and challenging herself on a larger international stage.

As an industry platform rooted in New Zealand's Chinese community, NZCBIA hopes to share her story more widely and give those who wish to support her an opportunity to take part.