- 16 students from a combined effort with the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth awarded internships within Inspire Careers program, supporting their career pathways
- 32 Inspire Racing candidates selected for skills showcase on foiling WASZPs, and RS Feva class in front of sold out crowds in Plymouth
Plymouth, UNITED KINGDOM - July 13, 2021 - With less than a week to go, activities in and around the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix are ramping up with local youth taking center stage. Collaborations with the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth, which is supporting the event with Future Fit Field Gun, have produced an exciting cohort of 16 students taking part in SailGP’s Inspire Careers program. Furthermore, the Inspire Racing program will see 32 local youth participate in an on-water showcase of skills - sharing the close-to-shore racecourse of the supercharged F50 catamarans - for sold out crowds gathering at Plymouth Hoe on July 17-18.
Inspire, SailGP’s community engagement program, is breaking boundaries in sailing and racing for a better future. For students in Plymouth, this future consists of opportunities to gain exposure in the sport through career pathways such as On-water Operations, Race Management, Ropes and Rigging, Hospitality, Photography & Videography, Boatbuilding, and Sustainability.
Partnering with the University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth, the global championship’s Inspire programs align with the respective curricula at each of the educational institutions. Interests ranging from content creation to media and race management operations, health and safety to environmental studies, allowed for a broader number of students to submit their interest through SailGP’s application process.
University of Plymouth head of careers service Dr Steve Gaskin said: “We are delighted to be an official partner of the SailGP Inspire Careers program. This is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to get hands-on experience at the very center of one of the world’s most exciting sailing events. Our university location, right at the heart of Britain’s Ocean City, gives our students so many amazing experiences, but this one is definitely a major highlight.
“Competition for internship places was understandably tough - I congratulate those who were successful and encourage them to enjoy and make the most of it.”
Successful candidates from the University of Plymouth include: Shana Clarke, Alastair Hammond, Connie Stevens, Max Clayton Griggs, Peter Russell, Kristian Hookham, Sia Wang Ying, Ridhwan A B Mohamed, Ruby Ashton Reeves, Mui Tsz Yau.
Inspire Ropes & Rigging career candidate Connie Stevens said: "Excited and happy to be a part of such a cutting edge event, and my expectations are to be able to see and learn about the workings of the rigging team and be able to meet the people behind it.”
Inspire Hospitality career candidate Ridhwan A B Mohamed said: "I feel enthusiastic and determined to take part in this event. It’s my first time and I’m looking forward to meeting new people and enjoying the experience. I expect to pick up skills in my department (Health and Safety) which will help me in the future wherever applicable.”
City College Plymouth principal and chief executive Jackie Grubb said: “It’s going to be such an exciting opportunity for the city to host the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix.
“I can’t think of a better way for our young people to learn more about the world of sailing and the prospects it offers whether that’s through pursuing the various sailing- related careers or the chance to take up a sport that might not usually be accessible to them.
“It is going to be a weekend to remember and the College is delighted to be a part of it, along with our friends at Future Fit Junior Field Gun.”
From City College Plymouth, placements went to Morgan Hemming, Sarah Horton, Tyler Price, Matt Hornibrook, and Lauren Hall.
The final candidate taking part in the Inspire Careers program is James Smith, who will be joining the Photography pathway.
Inspire Racing
As the Inspire program continues to build momentum with students, young sailors from eight of Plymouth's local sailing clubs have also been given the opportunity to develop their skills through the Inspire Racing program featuring foiling WASZPs and the RS Feva class boats. During the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix on July 17-18, 32 Inspire Racing candidates will take to Plymouth Sound demonstrating their sailing abilities in front of family, friends and sports fans alike.
Racing the 16 WASZPs will be Ameila Aldridge, Dan Wellbourn-Hesp, Erin McIlwaine, Eve Kennedy, Fin Armstrong, Finley Dickinson, Hattie Rogers, Matilda Nicholls, Matt Beck, Megan Farrer, Milly Jinks, Monique Vennis-Ozanne, Rhys Lewis, William Heathcote, William Pank, and Zac Blomeley.
Eight RS Fevas will be sailed in pairs consisting of Peter Crudgington and Ellie Lashbrook, Emmie Frank and Sonny Davis, Connie Kaye and Jacob Iowe, Molly Gilbey and Lawrie Mather, Zara Williams and Zac Williams, Felix Harris and Max Harris, Zeb Fellows and Susie Sheahan, and finally Rosie Sheahan and Fin Gribbin.
Fans unable to attend the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix July 17-18 can follow the main event broadcast live in 175 territories, including via SKY Sports in the UK and Ireland as well as live on YouTube. The award-winning SailGP APP – available in the App Store and Google Play – gives the ultimate viewing experience with full customization, access to data, and live commentary. For complete event details, visit SailGP.com/GreatBritain.
