Guernsey Sailor Returns From World Championships

Friday, 29 December 2023 09:30

The only Channel Islander to compete in this year's sailing world championships has returned home.

Andrew Bridgman placed 12th out of 90 in Melbourne, Australia.

He was a part of Team GB from 10 to 16 December and sailed under the banner of the Guernsey Yacht Club.

He sailed a Foiling Waszp, which is a high-performance solo sailing boat that can reach up to 30mph.

He says the close-quarter races were thrilling:

"Australia was incredible. I was taking part in high pace races and it was so exciting.

The atmosphere was amazing and the conditions out on the water was really good too - what an event."

He says, despite some setbacks, the Channel Islands are the perfect place to train:

"Guernsey‘s got its challenges and one of the biggest ones is the travel, especially with sailing, because you’ve got to transport a boat normally as well.

But you can do so much here and it shouldn’t stop anyone from giving it a go.

We have really good coaching here, the Guernsey Yacht Club, and the Guernsey Sailing Trust both of the taster and beginner classes. So get involved."

He says he is looking forward to next year and his third attempt to get a world title:

"Obviously, the goal is always to try and win.

The thing is, I came 36th last year so I think coming 12th this year was a big step up.

Hopefully, TISE will sponsor me to go to the next one in Norway next year too, and I’ll try and get an even better result."