SAILING HANNAH

Working in a role you’re passionate about is a gift, but it can also come with unique challenges—especially when the stakes are high. 

At World Sailing, where I have the privilege of managing initiatives like the Inclusive Development Programs (IDPs), World Championships, and the push for sailing’s return to the Paralympics, the work is rewarding but undeniably demanding. 

Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of it all, and it’s reminded me of an important truth: it’s okay to take a break.

When my work revolves around making a difference—advocating for inclusivity, challenging perceptions, creating opportunity, and fighting for change—it’s easy to pour every ounce of my energy into it. But seeing people struggle or facing setbacks along the way can take a toll, especially when you care as deeply as I do. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling incredibly burnt out, and the challenges I’ve faced from negativity, an insurmountable workload, to taking heavy criticism for my perceived passion have taken a toll. 

Balancing running and facilitating the IDPs, the recent World Sailing Annual Conference, multiple international events, the Development Symposium, and the day-to-day tasks of my role at World Sailing has left me little room to breathe.

Coming back from my trips to Singapore and Italy left me facing an inbox that felt like it would never empty and a task list that went as far as the eye can see. 

I’ll be brutally honest—it’s hard not to feel guilty about stepping away, even temporarily. There’s always another project, another deadline, another email, another need, but the reality is, none of us can pour from an empty cup, not even with the amount of passion I have for Para Inclusive sailing. 

Burnout doesn’t happen all at once. It creeps in gradually—when the long hours, emotional investment, and relentless pace start to outweigh the moments of joy and fulfilment.

For me, it’s been hard to admit that I need a break, and only seeing some close friends suffering with the same symptoms, did I realise that I needed to pay attention to my own health and wellbeing. But I’ve realised that continuing at this pace, without time to reset, won’t serve anyone—not the sailors I work with, not my colleagues, and certainly not me.

Stepping back isn’t about giving up; it’s about coming back stronger. 

Tomorrow I’ll be heading to France to see my family and to finally use some of my well-earned holiday. Out of over 50 days of leave that I earned this year, it’s time to claim a fraction of that time back for myself. It’s a challenge to step away knowing how much there is to do, and knowing that I won’t be able to fully switch off my passion for the sport that I love. 

The fight to get sailing back in the Paralympics is just beginning, and 2025 will be a defining year for our bid, but if I don’t pause now, I won’t be at my best to face the challenges ahead.

I’ve have made a promise to myself to stay connected in small ways—working on admin behind the scenes while prioritising rest. It’s a delicate balance, but one I’m determined to achieve.

For anyone else feeling overwhelmed, I hope this serves as a reminder that stepping back doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re preparing for what’s next.

I’ll hopefully return from France in the new year refreshed and ready to continue fighting for the future of Para sailing, armed with the strength and perspective that only rest can bring. 

Let’s all remind ourselves that we’re human, and that our well-being matters just as much as the work we do.

Look after yourselves.