Maenhaut started her career in the small Optimist class, competing in European and World championships for this youth category. She then progressed to the Laser 4.7 class, where she became Belgian champion. At the 2015 Youth World Championships in Medemblik, she won the bronze medal. In the next category, the Laser Radial, she again became Belgian champion.[2]
Her first two-person competitions were with the Nacra 15 boat, which she sailed together with Henri Demesmaeker. Together they won the bronze medal at the 2016 Youth World Championships in Auckland. After a year in the Nacra 17 she then switched to the 49 FX.[2]