Catch up with Luke Patience at the RYA Scotland Big Weekend

The RYA Scotland Big Weekend will be opened by Olympic silver medallist Luke Patience © RYA Scotland

After a summer of watching, listening and following the Olympics, are you wondering what some of our athletes have been up to since the closing ceremony? There have been a number of announcements in the last few weeks about GB sailors who are switching to different classes and who they will be sailing with in their campaign for Rio 2016. Luke Patience has announced he will no longer be sailing with Stuart Bithell for his next Olympic campaign but is remaining tight lipped about who he will be sailing with.

Luke will be coming along to the RYA Scotland Big Weekend supported by MalinWaters which will be held in Largs on 23-24 February 2013. There will be lots of opportunities to meet Luke, ask him about his Olympic experiences and his aims for 2013 as well as seeing him in action in the Pico Rigging competition. He will also be presenting the prizes at the RYA Scotland Annual Awards dinner on the Saturday night at the Big Weekend so why not come along and join in the fun?

RYA Scotland caught up with Luke in preparation for the Big Weekend and managed to catch a few snippets of what he has been up to over the last few months and how he has been enjoying celebrating the silver medal.

"I have had time off right up until new year. Our minds and bodies are under so much stress that we really needed the break; it's been 8 years work to get here!! So my time has been taken up with some unforgettable celebration nights with team GB as well as photo shoots, video shoots and sponsor days etc. It's been busy busy and I have hardly been in a boat" commented Luke.

Of course we had to ask if he knows who he is sailing with in 2013 and if he was able to reveal who it will be and he had the following to say:

"I do! However it is currently not something that we wish to release yet. Me and Stu had to make the hard decision. It's a real shame because we are great friends and have had a great time together in this boat. However, the Rio Olympics is going to be such a light wind event and we just feel that we are not a light enough team to win. I'm really excited about my new partnership and I know Stu is also."

2013 brings with it a new season and lots of new challenges Luke and lots of up and coming sailors in Scotland. We asked Luke what he is most looking forward to in 2013 and what he now has his sights set on:

"Racing again! I miss it after 5 months off. It's time to get working again, and I love the hard work. I am looking forward to the blood, sweat and tears!!!! The World Champs 2013 is the next big one really. It's in La Rochelle, France in early August and that's where my head lies currently. We also have our world cup tour in between all that, but these are all building events to the Worlds."

Luke will be opening the show to the public at 11am on Saturday 23rd February 2013 and will be holding a question and answer session for the first hour in the main trade hall where people can come along and listen to his stories from the Olympics and all the exciting opportunities his silver medal has brought him in the following months. It will be a busy weekend for Luke as he will also be helping to judge the final of the Schools Blow Boat competition at 12.00 noon on Saturday as well as presenting at the awards dinner in the evening. He will hold a further question and answer session on the Sunday at 3pm for the last hour of the show. Luke will also be part of the RYA Scotland team for the Pico Rigging Challenge which will be taking place over the weekend and will be a chance for sailing clubs from all over Scotland to showcase their team working skills!

So why is Luke looking forward to coming to the RYA Scotland Big Weekend?
"Seeing old friends and faces. Getting involved in inspiring a generation! Being back in the country I love so much!"

Meeting up with old friends and making new ones is a fantastic reason to come along to the Big Weekend. With lots of workshops taking place in both the trade hall and the club hall over the weekend you are sure to learn a few new skills or tips for the 2013 season. The exhibitors will also have plenty to show and tell all our visitors too! Tickets are only £5 and kids under 16 go free so bring all your friends and family along to join in the fun.

For more information about the Big Weekend go to www.ryascotland.org.uk