Tom Semmens Secures British Sailing Youth Team Selection After Standout Summer

by Vanessa Ripley 12 Sep 15:41 BST

It has been an exceptional summer for Tom Semmens of Paignton Sailing Club, marked by major international results, a successful step up into a new class, and selection for the British Sailing Youth Team for the winter programme.

A Clear Goal for 2026

Tom's main objective for 2026 was to earn selection for the British Sailing Youth Team. Achieving that goal required consistent performances throughout the season and, ultimately, a successful transition into the highly competitive ILCA 6 class.

Early-Season Success in the ILCA 4

The year began with national ranking events in March. Already ranked number one in the UK in the ILCA 4 class, Tom won both events and used them as tune-up regattas ahead of the ILCA 4 European Championships in Mar Menor, Spain, in April.

Tom had previous experience in Mar Menor, having finished fifth and as the top UK sailor at the 2024 Topper World Championships. However, the ILCA 4 represents a major step up from junior classes into youth sailing and, ultimately, towards Olympic pathways. The international standard is exceptionally high.

At the ILCA 4 Europeans, Tom started strongly and improved as the week progressed. He became the first UK sailor for many years to win a race at the event and finished ninth overall out of 256 competitors. The next highest-placed British sailor finished 112th.

A Change of Plan: Stepping Up to the ILCA 6

Following that result, the plan was to defend Tom's ILCA 4 national title and target a top-ten finish at the ILCA 4 World Championships. However, British Sailing Youth Team selection required sailors to finish in the top eight at the UK Nationals in the ILCA 6 rig. Because the dates clashed and Tom's ILCA 4 performance could not be used for selection, he had to change course and compete in the ILCA 6 UK Nationals instead.

This was a significant challenge. The ILCA 6 is the women's Olympic single-handed boat and the transitional class towards the ILCA 7, the men's Olympic boat. The standard of competition is intense.

Tom's first ILCA 6 event had taken place only a few months earlier, in February, at the Sailing South West Series "Cracker", hosted by Paignton Sailing Club. In the tightest of finishes, he won overall against a high-quality fleet.

The ILCA 6 Nationals also went extremely well. Tom won a race and, most importantly, secured his place on the British Sailing Youth Team.

Winter Programme and Upcoming Events

This winter, as part of the British Sailing Youth Team, Tom is committed to nine training events, alongside a busy racing schedule.

• Europa Cup, Malta, in December
• ILCA 6 European Championships, Hyères, South of France, in April
• National ranking event in East Lothian, Scotland, in two weeks' time
• Endeavour Trophy, Burnham-on-Crouch, sailing with Ben Flower, winner of the RS Aero 7 National Championships
• Two further national ranking events in Portland in October

The Endeavour Trophy is a prestigious event open only to reigning national or Olympic champions. This will be the fourth time Tom has competed, making the coming months another demanding period of training and racing.

Balancing Sailing and GCSEs

Alongside sailing, Tom also completed his GCSEs earlier this summer. Balancing racing, training and revision was always going to be challenging, but after returning from the ILCA 4 Europeans in Spain, Tom worked extremely hard and achieved excellent grades. Given the demands of his training and competition schedule, this was a particularly impressive achievement.

To round off the summer, Tom also completed his RYA coaching qualifications last weekend. This will allow him to support younger sailors as they begin their own sailing journeys.

Thanks and Support

Tom's progress has required significant commitment, much of it driven by his own determination. His family are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved.

It is also a financially demanding programme. Although British Sailing Youth Team training is subsidised by the RYA, the majority of the costs are still met by Tom's parents. The family are immensely grateful to Rockfish for their continued support. Without Rockfish's help, Tom would not be able to compete at the level he does, and his selection for the British Sailing Youth Team is directly linked to that support.

Thanks also go to Tom's coaches, especially Charlie Linsell from the Andrew Simpson Performance Academy, who has helped Tom make a rapid transition from Topper sailing into the ILCA class. Charlie says there is still plenty to work on, but the progress has been remarkable.

The family are also grateful to Churston Ferrers Grammar School for their understanding and support with time away from school.

Many thanks to everyone who has supported Tom. It is hugely appreciated.