Learn to sail

News YSC News and events

Friday 26 April 2013

Matt and Ben Selected for Team GB

After 25 races over 9 days at 3 different events Matt and Ben Lulham-Robinson have just been selected to represent GB as part of the RYA 420 World Championship ( no age limit) team competing at Valencia in Southern Spain in July and the GB Team competing in the European U19 Championship at Pwllheli North Wales in August.


They are the youngest pair and the independant selector team hadn't met a GBR Youth Squad sailor as young as Ben before.

They went the final event last weekend with 7 races to go and them knowing that they hadn't yet earned a place and that their Youth Squad place had been suspended ......basically they, along with a dozen other boats, had to compete for the remaining Squad place.

They were still one boat behind at the end of Saturday after racing all day in light and shifty conditions. Then Ben "Got angry" and announced on a very wet and windy Sunday morning that they were going to get a place in the Worlds Team even if he had to break every bone in his body doing it!

So whilst quite a few boats struggled in the 10ft waves , heavy wind and rain Matt and Ben went out and raced really well and won their place.


The conditions last Sunday at Pwllhelli
 The next pressing job is to raise the £7,000 to fund the cost of boat transport , flights , accommodation, entry fees etc....a hazard of siblings sailing together as there is no 2nd familly to share the cost with.

Pete has volunteered to drive one of the 4 vans which will tow the boats and GB coach boats across land to Valencia , take on the role of Bosun whilst there and do the return trip....his travel costs and accommodation will be paid for.

I may be accepted as one of the 3 Houseparents needed to chaperone and be general "Servant" for the sailors as well as surragate Mum / Dad and problem solver.



Thank you to Heather for the giving us your latest news, and "All the best !" to the boys from everybody at Yeadon SC. We shall watch your progress with interest !
Should anybody have access to sponsorship money I'm sure the family will be very interested in hearing from you, please form an orderly queue !   


No comments: