RL360° has climbed aboard to sponsor an RS Tera vessel, helmed by one of the Manx Youth Sailing Squad’s talented sailors.
The Manx Youth Sailing Squad (MYSS) formed in 2008 and since then its sailors – aged 8 to 13 – have become incredibly competitive on the UK and international RS Tera circuit. The MYSS has 8 members, some of whom compete in the National and Inland championship each year.
The squad has produced 2 World Champions, James Kelly in 2010 and his younger brother Greg Kelly in 2012. Greg went on to finish the 2012 season with a double, winning the UK Inland Championship too. In the last 8 years 10 Manx sailors have finished in the top 10 at World Championship events and over 35 young sailors have had the opportunity to train with the squad and compete in the UK.
The RL360° vessel is sailed by 11 year old Peter Cope, who recently travelled to Carnac, Brittany, to compete at the RS Tera World Championship where he came 12th out of 68 competitors and was the top Manx sailor.
Peter finished in third place overall at the RS Tera Start of Season Championship in the UK, only his second UK competition. He also recently finished 12th at the Inland Championship at Rutland Water. Peter and other members of the squad will be travelling to Weymouth for the National Championships, being held at the 2012 Olympic sailing venue at the end of the month.
Jen Kneale, who runs the Squad, said: “We are delighted to welcome sponsorship from RL360°, their support contributes toward coaching, travel and equipment costs giving our youngsters the best possible start when travelling to represent the Isle of Man on the national and international stage. Last time the Worlds were held in Carnac in 2010 it was won by Manx sailor James Kelly.”
The MYSS is always looking for new members. If you are interested, contact Jen on 836366 or 450801.
To find out more about sailing in the Isle of Man, visit http://www.7thwave-iom.com
Photo - Youngsters from the Manx Youth Sailing Squad in front of the RL360° branded RS Tera vessel in Carnac. From left, Alec Cope, Peter Cope, Georgia Harding, Nikolas Ellis and Charlie Whitbread. Missing from the picture are the rest of the squad – Tom Whitbread, Teddy Dunn and Archie Dunn.
