Trystan Hocking has enjoyed the best of two worlds during the summer school break.

The multitalented Saltus Grammar School student has thrived competing in both sailing and powerboat racing.

Hocking finished second among the local contingent and 37th in the overall fleet of 110 sailors from 12 countries on his debut at the Optimist North American Championship in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, in June.

“North Americans was a great experience and I was lucky that the weather conditions suited my size and sailing style,” he told The Royal Gazette.

A few weeks later, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club youth sailor competed at the Optimist European Championships in Cádiz, Spain, placing 149th among the 155-strong boys fleet.

“It is fun to represent Bermuda overseas,” Hocking added. “I was proud to be part of the team.”

Dede Cooper, the Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association president, has high expectations for the 13-year-old.

“Trystan still has a few more years in the Optimist and, after his promising start in 2020 at international events, we look forward to some great successes in 2021, 2022,” she said.

He also enjoyed success on the powerboat racing scene, having reeled off a string of wins in his age group competing in the European-design GT15 monohull at Ferry Reach during the summer relaunch of the Bermuda Power Boat Association’s junior programme.

“I have really enjoyed the powerboat season and proud of my performance throughout the race days,” Hocking added. “I have been powerboat racing only for a few months now from the start of the season.

“We did not have the opportunity for a lot of seat time in the boats before we started racing, so we were trying to find its limits in all types of weather conditions. I felt the boat leave the water quite a few times.”

Hocking’s enormous passion for boats and the sea in general is what inspired him to compete in both sports.

“I like boats and being out on the water, and saw both of these sports as being an opportunity to get out and be competitive on the water more,” he said.

“I enjoy them both equally and for different reasons. In sailing, I enjoy the strategy and being powered by nature, and in powerboats I enjoy the speed, quick reactions and adrenalin.”

Hocking has managed to make a smooth transition juggling both sports.

“Racing is racing,” he added. “The boats might be different, but you are still reading the wind, waves and looking for the fastest way to finish the course.”

Asked what goals he hopes to achieve in both sports, Hocking added: “I want to have fun but be competitive at the same time.

“I always try my best, but have had some good luck this season, which always helps.”