Steve Mitchell joins Team Shirley Robertson
by Media on 3 Feb 2007
Stevie Mitchell in Palma SW
Steve Mitchell has joined Team Shirley Robertson as a key member of their coaching team. Mitchell will work with the Yngling trio's current coach Andy Beadsworth, as they prepare to qualify for and compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Mitchell, 36, will bring a wealth of keelboat expertise to the campaign having successfully campaigned small keelboats for many years. In 1997, Mitchell won the Etchells World Championships. Then in 2002, sailing with Iain Percy, became the first British team to win the Star Class World Championships. Percy and Mitchell went onto represent Great Britain in the Star class at the Athens Olympics.
Mitchell who describes himself as, 'poacher turned gamekeeper' is looking forward to getting the coaching underway. 'I'm excited about the season ahead of us and the great opportunity I have to work with Shirley, Annie and Lucy, who are a very talented and rofessional team. We have some goals this summer and I want to help them achieve those. I can't wait to get started.'
Robertson is also looking forward to working with their new coach, 'Stevie is an exceptional sailor and a true professional used to winning at the highest level, and his attention to detail is the envy of all Olympic sailors. Annie, Lucy and myself are delighted that he will be joining our team.'
Beadsworth, is a past youth World Champion in the Laser class and Olympian, competing for Great Britain at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics in the Soling three man keelboat.
Mitchell and Beadsworth will continue to coach the team in Palma for the remainder of their winter training programme. In April, the team will compete in their first international regatta of the season; the Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma, followed by Olympic classes regatts in Hyeres, France and Medemblik, Holland.
Their main goal of the season remains to qualify at the ISAF World Championships at Cascais, Portugal, in July, to represent Great Britain at the Pre Olympic Regatta this August at the 2008 Olympic sailing venue in Qingdao, China.
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