Fabulous Fin is making waves in sailing world

This was a fantastic achievement for such a young sailor in some very testing conditions at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Swanton, 13, was selected to be part of the south-east zone squad for 2014-15 and trained throughout the winter in all weathers. He is now hoping to gain a place in the 4.2 national squad and is keen to hear from any organisations interested in sponsoring all or part of his training and events around the UK.

He started sailing after a family move. Mum Rachel explained: “Members of his extended family were heavily into sailing at Felpham and it rubbed off! Fin got the bug and it has paid dividends in many ways.

“He gained his RYA levels through the fantastic training and support team at Felpham Sailing Club and eventually started racing in August 2013.

“After a successful summer season in 2014, winning trophies for best novice and best under-12 at the West Sussex Schools Regatta and fourth place overall for Topper Traveller Series, he gained a place in the south-east zone squad, training throughout the winter in all weathers in various locations in the south-east, on the sea, reservoir and lakes.”

Putting the training to the test meant competing in a number of national events from Queen Mary Sailing Club in March in London, Leigh and Lowton in Manchester in June to Rutland Sailing Club, a squad qualifying event.

Nationally his notable successes are fifth place in the 4.2 fleet at Royal Suffolk and Norfolk Yacht Club in Lowestoft in June and second place of 49 in 4.2 fleet at WPNSA at the Summer Championships in August.

He also won the West Sussex Topper Traveller series in August.

The family need help with sponsorship – any business or individual who can help should email [email protected] or call 07930 156871.

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