Video of the week

Self interest there, doesn't Simon have one to sell? Keep it up though, he's obviously got talent that the rest wish we had. I hope that he goes a long way with it, even if your wallet doesn't

The 'former boy' was also very good when very young. He followed a different path (winning his first nationals at 18). It is a very difficult path for a parent to follow. Someone once said to me, 'Shut up John you sound like a gymkhana mother' which made me laugh a lot!

Hi Rich, Cameron is quite open that it's his ambition to represent GBR at the Olympics in the Finn, and I guess it's my aim to support him as a Dad to try and reach his potential. We're all fully aware of just how big an ask that is, but the way we do business is to ensure that we all enjoy life; the travelling, the camping, the camaraderie and the challenge.   


Damned right I'm proud!    Please don't make the mistake of thinking I'm a pushy/snotty/oppie parent - luckily there are plenty on this forum that know Cameron that can attest that he's a lovely, funny and engaging young man who absolutely loves his sailing. Life would be a lot easier (and cheaper!) if he'd had the same talent for athletics say, but that's not the way it's worked out. In the last year (aged 15) he's been selected for the RYA Crossover Squad, raced at the D-one Europeans (12th), been led astray by Nick Craig , won a race at the Laser Nats and came 9th at the Olympic Classes Ranker at HISC in the Finn. To be honest I'm in awe of Cameron, because that list amounts to more on the sailing CV than most sailors have in a lifetime.

I've always posted pictures and more recently videos of me and mine on here (search back for the Alto video I did with the boy crewing for me) - the only difference is that now Cameron has a sponsor, we're obliged to ensure they're recognised for their help. Hopefully they'll see a benefit and will continue to support him further, and perhaps other young people in their respective sports. Maylarch have been extremely generous in their support of Cameron, and without their help it's highly unlikely I'd be able to afford the steadily increasing costs of travel, accommodation, coaching and entry in both Lasers and Finns, especially if we're looking at the Finn Junior World Champs in Valencia next year.
As a family we haven't had a holiday for 5 years, but that's our decision and I don't think any of us regret this. As you've probably seen, I'm having to sell my D-One to buy a Finn, but hey - if I wasn't prepared to support them, I shouldn't have had kids/taught them to sail/encouraged them at school (my eldest is off to Uni next year also). I am proud of my kids, and sailing has given us some of our greatest memories, friendships and skills.







Edited by Bootscooter - 02 Dec 14 at 9:59am

Talented son with a pleasant personality and considerable ambition. Talent/ambition/proud parents/sponsorship = success..........keep it up Boots!