Olympic Champion Paul Goodison supports Volvo Sailing Academy initiative
by Sarah Alexander 30 May 2013 12:43 BST
1 June 2013
Olympic gold medallist, Paul Goodison will head to Rutland Sailing Club this weekend © Volvo Sailing
Olympic gold medallist, Paul Goodison will head to Rutland Sailing Club on Saturday 1st June to support and continue Volvo Car UK's quest to 'get the country sailing'. The 'Volvo Sailing Academy', held in association with the club's annual open day, was launched to encourage new people, young and old, to give the sport a go.
"Really looking forward to joining some first time sailors at Rutland Sailing Club this weekend. It's great to be apart of a scheme that encourages new people into the sport and hopefully after an hour or two on the water we will have a few people hooked for life!" commented the Olympic Champion, who recently announced his break from Olympic class sailing to concentrate on big boat racing.
The free one-day event will also offer powerkiting experiences on the shores of Rutland Water with British extreme kitesurfer and World speed record holder, Sam Lutman-Pauc and British Kitesurfing Association Instructor, Dom Moore.
The Volvo Sailing Academy project was launched with Olympic silver medallist, Saskia Clark in association with Hayling Island Sailing Club open day early May. The club was a hive of activity with Saskia heading out on the water to offer exclusive coaching sessions, passing on the knowledge that helped her claim a World Champion title and her first Olympic medal in 2012 "We had a fantastic day on the water, the sun was shining and it was great to see so many new people enjoying the sailing. The Volvo Sailing Academy programme helps make sailing more accessible and gives a real insight into the sport." commented the top sailor.
Nikki Rooke, Head of Corporate Communications, Events and Sponsorship for Volvo Car UK continued "After the success at Hayling Island Sailing Club, where over 200 people got out on the water to try sailing, we are really looking forward to our second event at Rutland Water. We are committed to supporting British sailing from the grassroots and hope the 'Volvo Sailing Academy' initiative will help cement the legacy Volvo Car UK has built within the sport over the last 14 years."
The next Academy event will be held on Saturday 6th July at Queen Mary Sailing Club where Team SCA 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race crew, Annie Lush and top Laser sailor, Nick Thompson will be coaching, inspiring and entertaining guests with their sailing stories. All the 2013 events are free of charge but places are limited and must be booked in advance. To book a place for you and your family please click here.
There are also eight weekend academies being planned for 2014, with Volvo Car UK in discussions with a number of potential Academy venues.
Highlights from Hayling Island Sailing Club