UKSA SUPPORT YOUNG WEST COUNTRY SAILORS IN THEIR BID FOR GOLD MEDALS

Successful Hobie 16 catamaran sailors, Tom Phipps & Jon Cook have joined the stable of young talent mentored and supported by the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA). On Saturday 12th November 2005, the UKSA presented the pair with a brand new Hobie Tiger which will enable them to participate in the Olympic Transitional Squad (OTS) and prepare them to compete in the 2012 Olympics.

The two 16 year olds from Mylor, are lifelong friends, having met at playgroup aged 4 and starting to sail from the age of 5.

Tom & Jon have so far enjoyed tremendous sailing success, and in 2004 won the ISAF Youth Nationals, Hobie Cat 16 Youth Worlds and the ISAF Youth World Championships and were the first British crew in the Hobie Open World Championships. This year the pair have come first in the Hobie National Championship and second in the ISAF World Championships.

UKSA, a charity and non-profit making organisation has an enviable reputation for nurturing young talent, and Tom & Jon will now be able to use the Academy’s excellent sailing and recreational facilities at Cowes, participate in ancillary courses important to their sailing progress and generally enjoy the support and mentoring available from the UK’s top sailing academy, which includes famous single-handed sailor Dame Ellen McArthur and Nick Maloney amongst its graduates.

Notes to editors:

High res images available on request

For more information, please contact:
Anna Symcox
PR Manager
UKSA
Tel: +44 (0) 1983 203016
Mob: +44 (0) 7709 485674
anna.symcox@uksa.org

Brian Phipps (Team Phipps / Cook Team Manager and Coach)
Tel: +44 (0) 1326 376191
Mob: +44 (0) 7974 194308
brian.phipps@windsport.co.uk

United Kingdom Sailing Academy

UKSA is recognised as the world’s leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non – profit making organisation supported by the Lister Trust. Based in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight it has superb, modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 300 craft. UKSA provide a wide range of courses aimed at adults, young people and the disabled. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is Patron to the Academy and Ellen MacArthur is their Ambassador.