This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014at 12:45 pm by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Rising Stars Luke And Sienna Are ‘Outstanding’

Two of Active Nation’s Rising Stars are continuing to take the sailing world by storm after winning a prestigious award at a major event on the summer calendar.

Luke Doble and Sienna Adderley received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the GJW Direct SailFest over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Calshot.

The pair, who represented Active Nation’s Team SWAC (Southampton Water Activities Centre), were sailing in their first foray beyond the shelter of Southampton and competed in every race throughout the action packed weekend. And, rather than swapping class in the Sunday Shake-Up racing they swapped their helming and crewing positions.

SailFest started with a coaching day on Friday, with 6 races scheduled over Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the North Sails One Design Long Distance Pursuit on Monday. The long weekend incorporated far more than just a handicap racing regatta with national championships, coaching, nutrition, shore-side activities and a strong social atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Max Bradbury-Knight, SWAC Sports Development Leader was also on hand over the weekend and helped the North Sail One Design team of Charlie Cumbley and Pete Mitchell to run coaching sessions on the Friday. This involved a number of starts and short races, challenging the participants by varying the ‘rules’ of the start sequence, working on boat control as well as talking them each through individual sail-setting whilst they were racing.

Over the next few days Luke, 14, and Sienna, 15, competed in every race in their RS Feva before finishing an incredible 19 out of 38. An amazing feat when you consider they were among the youngest sailors taking part and were up against more experienced competitors in a vast variety of boats.

Max said: “Once again I am very proud of both Sienna and Luke.  The enthusiasm that they bought to every day and the help from their friends and family was brilliant.  SWAC are proud to have them representing us!”

Luke and Sienna are both studying for their GCSEs and since coming to SWAC they have progressed through the Royal Yachting Association’s Youth Sailing Scheme. They first competed in a Regatta against a local Sailing Club in October 2013 where they brought home 1st Place for Team SWAC – their sailing career started there!

If you want to find out more about SWAC please visit our website and check out what’s happening www.swac.co.uk You can also check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/swacsail or give us a call on 02380 915753.