Its a long story but does anyone have Ben Ainslie's early Optimist results?  I mean his first few when he wasn't winning.

In short need them to encourage a very good 9 year old (not mine) who has just done his first event and came 21st out of 30 which he thinks is pants.

Google can't help me so any help from you lot would be appreciated.

It may be in Ben's book. I'll try and look when I get home tonight!

I am sure we can all help!

My first result at the age of 11 in a week long Cadet regatta was 33rd out of 42.

Last week we came 8th out of 77 at the Laser 2000 Nationals.

21st in his first event is excellent!

In Ben's book he says that it took him a couple of years to start winning.

Thanks for all the replies.

I think a large proportion of his disappointment is due to media access and the way olympic sailing is portrayed to juniors.  When I started racing (24 years ago) you looked up to the top 3 club sailors and dreamed to be club champion one day, knowing that you would start at the back.  The fortunes of national champions and olympic sailors only really got a mention in Y&Y.  Now with the internet, email etc we get weekly updates from various sources on what the top sailors are doing.  Ben is his idol and the fact that he has won so much and you has easy access to that makes it feel like you should be winning travellers straight of the bat.

He only learnt to sail last year so I think (and I have told him so) that he did incrediably well.  Shame that his mate who has the same amount of sailing experience came 10th!!!!  Just made him feel like more of a failure.

Just really wanted some facts e.g. Bens first oppy regatta he was 30 out of 50 or such like so that I can show him that even the 'best' have to work their way up.

If anyone has any links or info then please post it.

Excellent find there TT, thanks

I remember being told by an older fellow at Restronguet SC that they all laughed and joked Ben Ainslie sailing his laser to being with. He would absolutely fly. . . and then capsize downwind.

When he stopped capsizing, they stopped laughing.

Well a quick update....

I emailed Ben through his site last night and this afternoon got a personal reply to pass on to the wee man with his first experiences and results and some excellent words of encouragement.  I guess this is the flip side of modern communication!!!

A big thumbs up to Ben for taking the time to reply and putting the effort in

Although not his hero Iain Percy always tells the story of when his optimist went 'sailing' by itself in Southampton waters after he got beaten by his sister.......

maybe thats his motivation these days in the Star with Bart