The Review Autumn & Winter | Page 8

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what a sailing season !

With restrictions eased in 2021 , sailing came back with a vengeance and most competitions went ahead . The biggest difference for me this year was that I was able to take part in all the regattas of the UK Hansa Traveller Trophy , which I have never done before . It was great to be racing against other Hansa 303s on a regular basis and the fierce competition put everyone at the top of their game . A five-month-long match of tug of war ensued between myself and the reigning champion Mike Everitt , with each of us getting first , second , first , second , first … Eventually , we were sitting on equal points with one regatta to go ! But this year , I managed to claim the final victory , coming 1st on the day and 1st overall . The 6000 + miles travelled were worth it !

The UK Hansa Championships also went ahead this year at Rutland Water and it was great to see so many sailors compete . Again , competition was fierce , with the winner of each race continuously changing . Serious tactics had to be employed and I managed to come out on top and reclaim the trophy in 1st place overall !
To round off the season , I headed to Sicily for the Hansa World Championships . It was great to see all the teams from around the world again and everyone was raring to get on the water in a big fleet of boats . And big it was , with 69 boats in my class alone ! There were some challenging conditions , with
too little wind , too much wind and on one occasion , thunder and lightning engulfed us ! Despite this , many good races were to be had and the competition ended with me claiming two podium positions : 3rd Hansa World Championships 303 Singles class and 2nd Para World Sailing 303 Singles Men ’ s class !
I went to the World Championships with the aim of getting in the top 10 but I never could have imagined a podium position , let alone two ! The silver medal also has the power to get you upgraded to first class on the Avanti train home from London !
With the season finished and me off to university , the preparation begins for next year , whatever it may have instore .
None of this would be possible without my sponsor , QTS , and all the support from Clyde Cruising Club , RYA Scotland , Scottish Disability Sport , Sport Scotland and Ayrshire Sportsability .

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