Hi guys,
I am really excited to announce that I am now part of the British Sailing Team! After the U21 Europeans I qualified myself for the newly formed Pathway to Podium Potential (P3) squad.
I had to take a photo after sticker-ing up my boat!
Since hearing the exciting news I have now moved to Weymouth to continue my full time sailing. It has been a great introduction to the team and I still can't believe how lucky I am to be in surrounded by the best support team in the world.
What has also amazed me is the friendliness of everyone in the team - Olympic medal athletes often come up and introduce themselves, asking how my day has been etc. It really is an honour to now call these people my teammates.
Training out in Weymouth Bay with Portland a few miles in the distance.
Since starting training here in Weymouth I have been fortunate to train with some legends in the Laser, including Alex Mills Barton who made his return for the Hayling Island national qualifier.
The first autumn national event took place on the 17th/18th September in South Shields SC - some 9 hour drive up north! I was very lucky to have my parents take my boat and I up for me which saved me a lot of stress the day before the competition. On the Saturday I had a really strong start having figured out the conditions and almost beat Elliot Hanson, who is ranked in the top 20 in the world. I had some other consistent results which left me 2nd overnight. Unfortunately Sunday dawned with no wind and after a few hours waiting onshore no wind arrived and the day was cancelled, leaving me 2nd overall at the event.
A few weeks later on the 8th/9th October was the second autumn national event at Hayling Island, near Southampton. I had another good first day, lying 4th overnight but unfortunately a slightly disappointing second day meant I finished the event in 7th overall. Although I lost a few places on the second day I did learn a huge amount in the tough conditions and it will make me a stronger sailor in the long run.
After these events I have just had a P3 squad camp down here in Weymouth which has been really good to make new friends and learn from the useful talks which have been put on throughout the week, including one from double Laser world champion Nick Thompson about his journey.
Next week is also my first proper rest week which will be great to reflect on the lessons of the past month and prepare myself for the next block of training to make sure I return stronger than ever.
Thanks for reading!
Sam
