Sailors contend with a host of obstacles when attempting to win a regatta. Equipment failure, foul weather, lackluster wind and fierce competition can all make for a difficult day on the water.

In addition to these challenges, sailors throughout the nation also have to contend with up-and-coming skipper Gannon Troutman.

The 13-year-old sailor, who lives in Zanoni, has made a name for himself in the sailing community with impressive performances in regattas across the country, winning two regattas outright on his way to five top-three finishes in the last year alone.

Now, under the tutelage of Argentinean Olympian Lucas Calabrese and 2013 J/24 and J/70 Class World Champion Geoff Becker, Troutman looks to improve on an already solid body of work.

Troutman took an interest in boats at an early age, often building model sailboats using “whatever was lying around the house.” However, at the age of eight, he would channel that interest into the beginnings of a sailing career....