HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Two rising, standout athletes recently made history in the world of competitive foil sailing. Gavin Ball recently returned home after a stellar performance at the WASZP World Championship in Norway, where he finished 8th in the solo sailing event. Ball became the first North American to break into the top ten at the international competition.

Ball’s success in Norway is the beginning of what will be an exciting few months ahead. The 21-year-old is now preparing to head to Sardinia, Italy, for the FIV Foil International, which runs from October 16th to 19th. He’ll be traveling with fellow Hawaii native Pearl Lattanzi, who recently earned 4th place in the women’s division at the WASZP World Championship.

“We’ll be at the two sailors representing the U.S. Each country sends one male and one female athlete and we we’re excited to represent Hawaii on an international stage,” saod Lattanzi.

As the young competitors prepare for their next big race, the journey to Italy will include an important stop on the mainland.

“We’ve got a big training camp in Pensacola, Florida with America 1 Racing, which will help get us all nice and tuned up, said Ball.

In addition to competing, Ball will take on a coaching role this December in New Zealand, leading a U.S. team at the International MOTH Championship. Five of the six sailors on the team are ranked in the top 12 globally, including world number one female sailor, Helena Scutt.

To follow Gavin and Pearl’s journey and career, check out them on Instagram at @gballsail and @pearl.Lattanzi.