Isle of Wight team set for Governors Cup in San Diego

by James Verner 20 Jun 2011 19:17 BST

(l to r) Robbie Southwell, James French and Tom Harrison - the Isle of Wight team set for Governor’s Cup in San Diego © James Verner

Bringing sailing and the Island community closer together

James French, Robbie Southwell and Tom Harrison are due to represent the Island and Great Britain at this July’s Governor’s Cup in San Diego – a match racing World Championship.

Growing up on the Island has enabled James, Robbie and Tom to spend most of their time away from school, on the water. Their subsequent success has been partly attributable their commitment and tenacity to perform at the highest level and also the help and support from the local community.

Because of this support, they are keen to contribute their time and skills to children on the Island who have not been as fortunate as they have been. Consequently a series of sailing days are being setup (following their return from the US) to introduce children supported by YMCA Young Carers to an activity that can form new friendships, provide new perspectives and most importantly give that much needed release form those who carry a significant responsibility of looking after their parents and family from a very early age.

The Team

Each of the team built their sailing experience through Gurnard Sailing Club and in recent years benefitted significantly from the coaching and tutelage of Cordelia Ellis. The sailing club has a strong track record in developing some of UK's finest youth sailing talent and is extremely excited to see James, Robbie and Tom go on to represent Britain.

James French, 18
James grew up on the Island and has been sailing since the age of six. Aside from winning the Italiana Match Racing Cup and the 2010 UK National Match Racing Championships he also races a Farr 52 from Cowes and this year he has been selected by the British Keelboat Academy to be part of their development squad. James is studying A Levels.  

Robbie Southwell, 16
Robbie started sailing when he was seven at Gurnard and has successfully raced a variety of dinghies. He has also been part of Cowes based crew which races a number of larger boats both around the Solent and further offshore. Robbie was also part of the winning team at the 2009 Italiana Cup and the 2010 UK Youth Match Racing Championships and this month represents the Isle of Wight at the Island Games in his Laser. Robbie is studying A Levels.

Tom Harrison, 18
Having grown up in Cowes, Tom started sailing at the age of 5 and has gone on to become a both a successful crew and helm in dinghies and yachts. This success includes winning the Italiana Cup in 2009, third in the UK Match Racing Championships and winning his class at Cowes Dinghy Week in 2009. In 2010, his team won the UK Youth Match Racing Championships that provided the team entry into the 2011 Governors Cup. Tom is currently studying for his A Levels.

The Event

As current UK Match Racing Champions, the team has qualified to represent Great Britain and compete at this July's Governor's Cup in San Diego. Success at this event will enable them to enter the top 100 Match Racing rankings.

Shirley Robertson, double Olympic Gold Medalist, and Cowes resident, supports the boys' initiative. She comments "The early years are the hardest in terms of getting experience and wins under your belt, as well as also covering your own costs for your campaign. The support from the Island has been great for Tom, James and Robbie, and it's superb to see them supporting the local community at the same time. Best of luck in representing Great Britain in the International Junior Match Racing Championship.”

Ian Williams, the 2007 and 2008 World Match Racing Champion, supports their campaign. Ian comments “I began my match racing career at events like the Governor’s Cup so representing Great Britain in the International Junior Match Racing Championship really is a huge opportunity for the boys. It will put them on the international stage, and will allow them to compete against the best junior sailing talent in the World. Their accomplishment is a tribute to Gurnard Sailing Club and they will be ambassadors for the Isle of Wight, as well as for Great Britain.”

The Challenge and request

The team has received sponsorship support from local businesses including Gurit as well as family and friends however there is still a shortfall of £2,000 to cover the event costs. Unfortunately despite the team having qualified to represent Great Britain at the Governor's Cup this July, there is no funding available to cover the flights. Accommodation has been provided by "host families" in order to keep costs to a minimum.

The team is looking to raise the remaining monies via a small number of corporate donations from Island employers. The team is being followed by a number of the Island's media where we will be able to promote the team sponsors appropriately. Additionally, there is a raffle being run in Cowes during the Round the Island Race weekend. Prizes have been kindly donated from Henri Lloyd, Volvo, and Anticipation Yachting.

This is a remarkable opportunity for three skilled and determined young yachtsmen who are ambassadors of the Isle of Wight and who have a lot to offer the Island's community with respect to providing service to a very worthy charity.

About YMCA Young Carers - Isle of Wight

Young carers are children/young people under the age of 18 who look after or help to look after a relative who has: