Young sailor to represent SVG at the PanAm Games, Chile, 2023
by SVG Sailing Association 23 Oct 2023 12:19 NZDT
Young Vincentian Sailor representing SVG at PanAm Games 2023 © SVG Sailing Association
Scarlett Hadley, a student at Girls High School, Kingstown, is representing St Vincent and the Grenadines at the PanAm Games in Chile, from the 25th October to the 5th November 2023. This is the first time a sailor from SVG has the been selected to compete in such a prestigious event.
Scarlett learned to sail with the Vincy Sailing Club 7 years ago and took part in her first competition, Bequia Junior Regatta, in 2018.
She impressed World Sailing Coach Rob Holden and in 2020, mid-pandemic, was chosen to be part of the World Sailing Emerging Nations Programme.
Her commitment to the program and to training on and off the water was well regarded by World Sailing, the SVG Olympic Committee and the regions sailing organisations, and earlier this year the PanAm Sailing Organisation offered her a place at the Games.
She will be competing in 10 races over 9 days against the Olympic sailors from North, South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean Islands. Anna Tunnicliffe, USA Olympic Gold Medallist and online coach for Scarlett said, "Enjoy this amazing experience Scarlett, but mostly have fun!".
Competitive sailing demands a high level of mental and physical fitness, so as well as her on water training, she has been working with Coach Lindon James from Be Fit Movement SVG. He said, "Scarlett's work ethic is amazing, her strength and condition has improved tremendously".
The sailing conditions at the sailing venue, Algarrobo, Chile are 12'C, significantly colder than the waters of SVG. When UK Sailing Supplier, Rooster UK, heard about her story they were keen to help and supplied Scarlett with wetsuits and thermal gear to help her stay warm.
The Sailing Federation of Argentina are helping her with the Olympic class boat she will sail and Digicel SVG kindly donated towards the purchase of a new sail.
Scarlett spends much of her spare time teaching Vincy kids to sail, giving them new skills, opening up opportunities for them in the yachting industry. She truly gives back to the young people of these beautiful islands.