My experience of sport, or being physically active, began at a very early age. From a few months old my parents would take me down to the swimming pool, take us (my brother and I) out on road, on mountain bikes through the Ribble Valley and Bowland Forest, we’d do walks up Pendle Hill and around the Lake District. Our parents gave us every opportunity to try as many activities as possible from tennis, which was not my strong point, through to gymnastics and climbing. We learnt to sail as a family at Burwain Sailing Club when I was aged 10 and I have not looked back since!
Growing up, Ellen MacArthur was a big inspiration to me. Seeing her taking on the elements circumnavigating the world on her own was a great example of the hard work and determination needed to succeed. On a personal note, at only 5”0 tall, it was great to show that size doesn’t matter so much; in dinghy sailing, height and weight can be quite important (as well as skill) to be able to perform at the top in all conditions, so with Ellen only 5”2, she gave me confidence to believe that there were many routes available to me.
Undoubtedly sailing has shaped my life. In my teens I progressed through RYA Regional and National Junior Squads, RYA Keelboat Squad and university sailing. I also used sailing as part of my GCSE and A-level Physical Education qualifications, and through my interest in sport, became a Sports Therapist. Moving to work around Manchester I began race coaching in North Wales and last autumn, I was appointed Head Coach to the RS Feva Welsh National Squad. I love bringing all aspects of my Sports Therapy skills and specific knowledge into my coaching. It helps to look at the sailor’s fitness, injury prevention, nutrition and sports psychology, alongside on-the-water skills, tactics and strategy.
I see so many more female sailors coming through at both club and squad level now than ever before. Not only this, the field is very competitive for the top spaces with both male, female and mixed teams up there on the podiums. There are a lot more female coaches now too, which I think sets strong role models for young girls coming through the sport. Developments within new classes entering the Olympic programmes, such as the 49er FX (women’s skiff) and Nacra (mix team catamaran), are making this elite level of sailing more accessible to women, and on the yacht side of racing, we have also seen women only teams emerging such as Team SCA last summer. I believe it will only continue to grow!
Personally, sailing has enabled me to develop effective communication, time and project management skills, balancing study/work, sport and personal demands. I have been able to travel to new places for events and made many friends along the way. I love sailing and time on the water. Due to the mental and physical demands, it provides me with a complete break from a busy life, lots of fresh air, and of course I very much enjoy the competitive side! No-one likes loosing!! If you want to give sailing a try, then get in contact with your local RYA club or pembinaan center and they’ll be able to help you get on the water too! I’ll leave you with one little tip – duck the boom! You will soon know what I mean J
I pledge to continue being a role model to new and upcoming female sailors and to keep pushing the boundaries and developing our sport to give everyone the best experience possible!
By Bex Partridge
RS Feva National Squad Head Coach
RYA Cymru Wales
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