GBR Olympic Sailing Test Event selection for Paddy

Paddy Hutchings, former Plymouth College pupil, has been selected to represent team GBR at a test event for the Double Handed Mixed Offshore Olympic event, which will be held in Paris in 2024.

The test event will be held in May 2019 in Newport, Rhode Island, following a 9-day training camp to prepare for the event. The event will be 24 hours long, nonstop, and the whole race will be live-streamed.

Of his selection, Paddy said: “This is a huge break for me in my career as a sailor, I’ve dreamt of going offshore sailing for years. To have opportunities like this as a result of the new event in the Olympics, and to be involved in these opportunities, is amazing. This event is the first of its kind to be held so I feel really lucky to be part of the select few trialling it.”

Niall Myant, Head Coach of the British Keelboat Academy, said: "The Olympics are moving in a much needed direction of mixed gender sports, reflecting the way the world outside of sport is for most of us. For our athletes to get a chance to compete at this event in New York, representing their country, on the first event to follow this new Olympic format is very exciting. Not only that, but training alongside and learning from some of the best sailors in the world is vital at the start of this year’s Olympic pathway."

Paddy is currently in search of potential new sponsors to help support his Olympic sailing dream.