Over 100 entries are expected at the Laser Radial Inland Championship this weekend, including three members of the Manx Youth Sailing Squad. Hannah Howitt, Izzy Sharpe and James Kelly compete at a national Laser championship for the first time.
All three young sailors have four years experience sailing in the Tera class. James was crowned RS Tera World Champion in 2010. They all moved into the Laser Radial class at the beginning of this season, having outgrown the Tera.
This is taking their sailing to the next level, they are now competing against the big boys, including current Olympic sailors and National Youth Squad members. This will be their first taste of senior racing and I’m sure it will be an exciting and inspiring experience for them all.
Veteran Laser sailor Mike Pridham will also compete at the Inlands, which are being held at Grafham Water, starting tomorrow. Mike has been assisting the younger sailors since they made the transition into the class.
All three youngsters are recipients of Sports Aid Foundation and the IOM Steam Packet are also providing assistance for the team to travel to the necessary training and events in the UK.
I wish them all the very best of luck and I hope they enjoy the exciting weekend ahead of them.