Rugby schoolgirl Sophie Otter wins prestigious RYA British Youth Championship sailing title - The Rugby Observer

Rugby schoolgirl Sophie Otter wins prestigious RYA British Youth Championship sailing title

Rugby Editorial 21st Apr, 2016 Updated: 27th Oct, 2016   0

IT WAS plain sailing for a Rugby schoolgirl as she was crowned champion in the Royal Yachting Association British Youth Championships.

Rugby High School student Sophie Otter, 17, took to the water together with partner Phoebe Connellan and was crowned British Female National Youth Champion at the event held in Pwhelli, North Wales.

Facing off against 325 sailors in four classes, Sophie and Phoebe progressed all the way to the top and entered the event as favourites.

After day one of the qualifying rounds, the girls sat at the top of the results list with two second place finishes. The girls continued their lead on day two which saw them qualify at the top of the gold fleet, ready to commence the championship racing on a high.




As the fleet sailed out to the race course on day three, they were faced with 30 knot winds, which led to the race being abandoned.

The pair maintained their lead into the fourth day, and triumphed on the final day to become national champions.


Sophie is now focusing on studying for her A-levels and maintaining her fitness. Winning the youth championship means she will now represent Great Britain at the EUROSAF Youth Sailing European Championships which will be held in Neusiedl am See, Austria this summer.

She will also be competing for Great Britain in the European Championships in Norway and then the World Championships in Holland.

Head teacher Charlotte Marten said: “I am so pleased for Sophie. She has worked very hard for this success and is a tremendous role model for other students.

“She shows that it is possible to combine competitive sport at the highest level and academic study. I wish her all the very best: she has an exciting summer ahead of her.”

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