2006 Volvo RYA GBR Youth Worlds Team unveiled

by RYA/Myrrh Walker on 15 Apr 2006 After a successful RYA Youth National Championships and Trials, selectors for Great Britain's 2006 Volvo RYA GBR Youth World's Team have finally announced the ten sailors who will represent Great Britain at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2006. The event will be held at the Weymouth and Portland National Academy, the sailing venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games, from the 12-21 July 2006.

Attending the event in the windsurfing class for the second year running, Beth Williamson, 18, from West Kirby, will look to build on her experience from the 2005 event. 'It's really good to be selected again. Last year I struggled at the worlds due to lack of international experience, but I feel more confident this year and am already aiming for a top five finish.'

The windsurfing class has changed over the past year, with the introduction of the RS:X. The Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2006 will mark the first time this new board has been used in international youth competition.

Joining Beth on the RS:X is Barrow-upon-Humber's Richard Hamilton, 16, who will compete in the boys' fleet. 'I've been close to selection before but was always a little too young, so the be selected this year is fantastic. I look forward to working with a team that includes dinghy sailors as I usually spend all my time with windsurfers;' Richard explained.

Richard Mason and Daniel Schieber who dominated the boys' fleet at the Youth Nationals will compete for GBR in the 420. Daniel explained, 'This event has been great practice for the World's in July and we're really excited about competing in Weymouth again.'

'It's great to be selected;' enthused Sophie Weguelin and Katrina Hughes who will return to Weymouth in July to compete internationally in the girls' 420 fleet.

Scottish sailor, Anna Dobson will take up the helm in the Laser Radial after a strong performance at the recent Youth National Championships.

The Hobie 16 class will see a new pairing attend the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship. Cornwall's Tom Phipps of will make his third visit to the event accompanied by Andrew Glover of Weymouth who will replace Tom's usual crew who recently suffered a broken collarbone. 'I'd love to represent Great Britain at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship;' Tom explained. 'I am definitely up for the challenge!'

Sean Evans from Cardiff made a late surge to the top of the leader board in the Laser standard class at the RYA Youth National Championships and Trials. After a disappointing first day he got better and better taking the event lead in the final race. Sean will aim to put in a good performance on an international level.