The quest to ‘get the country sailing’ continues

by Volvo Sailing Academy on 3 Jul 2013 On Saturday [6th July] Olympian and Team SCA 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race crew, Annie Lush and Rio 2016 medal hopeful, Nick Thompson will be inspiring and mentoring hundreds of first time sailors at the ‘Volvo Sailing Academy’, Queen Mary Sailing Club, Ashford as part of a quest to ‘get the country sailing’.

The Volvo Sailing Academy initiative, launched by Volvo Car UK in May this year, is a continuation of their support for grassroots sailing and the free sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding taster sessions on Queen Mary reservoir, the largest inland reservoir in the South East, will introduce beginners, young and old, to the sports.

'Following on from the success of Britain’s top sailors in 2012, we wanted to offer people across the UK the opportunity to get out and try sailing and windsurfing for themselves. We are committed to continuing and driving the sailing legacy forward, using our Team Volvo ambassadors to encourage and inspire new people into the sport ' Commented Nikki Rooke, Head of Corporate Communications, Events and Sponsorship for Volvo Car UK.

Two Volvo Sailing Academy events have already take place, the first in association with Hayling Island Sailing Club hosted by World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, Saskia Clark, the second in association with Rutland Sailing Club and hosted by 2008 Olympic gold medallist, Paul Goodison. Both clubs were a hive of activity with Saskia and Paul out on the water all day passing on the expertise and knowledge that have helped them claim Olympic medals and World Championship titles.

On Sunday Annie and Nick will be staying on to give exclusive coaching advice to club members 'I’m really looking forward to taking first timer sailors out on the water for their first experience of the sport. It will also be great to spend some time with and coach some of the more advanced club sailors on Sunday and help them continue on their sailing journeys.' commented Team Volvo’s Annie lush, who was selected for the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race all female crew, Team SCA in March.

Volvo Car UK has been a key sponsor of British sailing since 1999, supporting everything from youth development at grassroots through to Britain’s top sailors at the pinnacle of the sport. The Volvo Sailing Academy scheme is a long-term programme for Volvo with eight weekend academies being planned nationwide for 2014.