Geiger hopes to fly high with kite at worlds
Lindfield's Ella Geiger is one of 16 of the country’s most promising young sailors have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Youth Sailing World Championships.
The talented youngsters, all 18 or under, will represent the British Youth Sailing team in eight classes at the 51st edition of the prestigious youth event at The Hague, Netherlands, from 8-15 July.
They gained selection through their performances in the 29er, 420, Nacra 15, ILCA6, iQFOiL and kiteboarding at the RYA Youth National Championships.
Previous Youth Worlds participants include some of today's best-known sailors including the world's most decorated Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie and 2008 Beijing gold medallist Pippa Wilson.
Returning to take on the kite fleet is Geiger, who is looking to improve on her debut sixth position last year, and Mattia Maini who make up the final spots on the BYS squad.
The squad will be coached and supported by the returning team of Olympian Kate Macgregor, current British Sailing Team iQFOiL women’s coach Sam Ross and BYS squad coach James Hadden.
Among those selected and making a first appearance at the Youth Worlds, Santiago Sesto-Cosby (Royal Lymington YC) is looking to draw upon venue knowledge and home similarities as the secret to success in the 29er alongside returning crew Leo Wilkinson (Maidenhead SC).
“Qualifying for the youth world championships is an all-time dream for me,” said Sesto-Cosby. “Now is the time to build up towards it to be the best we can be to represent Great Britain.
Megan Farrer (Emsworth SC) and Ellie Rush (Nottinghamshire County SC) were picked in the girls’ 420 class with Alice Davis (Draycote Water SC) and Oliver Raynor (Yorkshire Dales SC) in the mixed.
Making a third appearance at the Youth Worlds will be Nacra 15 helm Jasmine Williams, this time sailing with crew Sam Cox (both Restronguet SC). Charlie Dixon (Blackwater YC) takes on the boy’s iQFOiL fleet with Ellen Morley and Hazel McDonnell (both Hollowell SC) contesting the 29er girls.