Sarah writes...
'I recently found out that I'm one of 20 girls from Great Britain who've qualified for the Laser Radial Youth Worlds in La Rochelle, France, this summer. There were three weekend qualifiying regattas at Stokes Bay, Plymouth and Pwllheli and the week-long Youth Nationals in Hayling Island, all of which contributed to the Youth ladder ranking order. A disappointing result at the Youths and a lack of wind at Plymouth meant I had to go to Pwllheli the weekend before my Higher exams started!
Since hearing the news I've been spending a lot of time at the gym trying to get fitter for the event - the laser is a very physical boat and La Rochelle is renowned for being windy! I'm working on my aerobic fitness and also core strength and stability. Over exams I gave up a bit and I'm regretting it now!
Registration and measurement take place on the 24th and 25th of July then there is a four day qualifying series to divide the fleet into Gold and Silver. Then another two days of racing to determine the final places before we get a rest! I'm really looking forward to the week, it's my first time competing abroad so I'm mainly just hoping to get round the course within the time limit! It's hard to believe it's only four years since I did my stage 1 and 2 - any of the cadets on Summer School could be doing the same in a few years! '
