Mr. Morrell is a 16-year-old sailor for the Virgin Islands. The former Cedar International School student has lived and attended school at Antilles High School in St. Thomas for the past year.
I have been sailing for about seven years.
Why did you move to St. Thomas?
I moved to St. Thomas because of school and more competitive sailors.
What has it been like to transition between Tortola and St. Thomas during your high school years?
I have found it to be very easy. I had known a lot of people through sailing already. I have made a lot of new friends, too. Antilles has a really good sailing team and it has allowed me to compete in the US, so it was very inviting. That is why my parents decided to move me over, and it has been working so far. Hopefully, it stays working for the next two years.
Where do you stay at on St. Thomas?
We have a small apartment by the yacht club. My parents switch days, and I come back to Tortola on Fridays and then go back on Monday.
Is there anything you miss about the BVI?
I miss the atmosphere of the BVI. I also prefer to sail in the BVI.
What are your goals in sailing?
Eventually, I would like to compete in the Olympics. For now, I want to go college and be one of the top US sailors — hopefully become an all-American sailor.
What regatta are you most proud of?
The Youth Olympic Games is definitely one of my great highlights. Unfortunately, I didn’t do that well. But just qualifying and getting to go is great. I also got third in the US Single-handed Championships — that was definitely a highlight.
Tell me about the boat on which you compete.
I have been switching around boats recently. I was sailing the 29er, which is a small 49er that is an Olympic class with Daniel Petrovic. Now, I have been sailing a lot of 420s in high school. This summer I am sailing J70s and mostly Lasers.
How did you get started in sailing?
My dad always wanted me to windsurf. I started, but then I quit. Then there was an after-school sailing club, so I started doing that. I really liked it and I haven’t stopped.
What is it about sailing that keeps you going?
I like that it is competitive. But it is not like a running race where you just run straight ahead. In sailing you are always thinking about what to do next. I love that, and love that it has given me a chance to travel the world.
Who are some of your idols that you look up to in the sailing community?
I look up to Peter Holmberg, who is a really big sailor out of St. Thomas Yacht Club. Also, Ben Ainslie who is the most decorated sailor in the world.
What advice would you give young sailors?
Try as hard as you can now. The work you put in now will pay off later in your sailing career. Always take notes.
What is next for you?
My next competition is the J70 World Championships in France. And my next big single-handed event is Youth Worlds in Canada.
When you aren’t sailing, what do you like to do?
I like to go surfing with my brother and dad. I am kind of always on the water.
Interview conducted, condensed and edited by Todd VanSickle.