St Albans sailing world champion’s coach says there’s more to come
Annabel Cattermole - Credit: Archant
ST ALBANS’ Annabel Cattermole proved she is a fast learner after claiming world gold in Valencia – and RYA youth racing manager Duncan Truswell is adamant it can get even better.
The 17-year-old, alongside Bryony Bennett-Lloyd, claimed the ladies title at the 420 World Championships in Spain on Tuesday less than two weeks after finishing another global outing.
Their July jet setting began at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in Cyprus where, as part of a 12-strong British team across five classes, they placed 12th overall.
And, despite being too old for a shot at that title next year in Tavira, Truswell insists Cattermole’s experiences of the past month will prove invaluable as she moves forward.
“The 420 girls – Annabel and Bryony– are moving up. So we won’t have them next year. It is pretty common that some move up and some remain,” said Truswell.
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“It is always a healthy dynamic of experience and potential and those absolutely aiming to deliver with those learning as much as they can.
“The sailors all did great and what I saw in terms of performance was learning throughout the week with the 420s starting their World Championships 24 hours later and proving it.
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“That is the strength of our system, we have fast learners. And if we carried on racing in Cyprus for another five days we would have seen a different outcome.”
Cattermole, a Beaumont School pupil, and Bennett-Lloyd secured a best race finish of seventh in Cyprus but recorded three victories on the way to the ladies title at the 420 World Championships.
And Truswell, who led the 12-strong British team in Limassol, is adamant that competing at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships put Cattermole at ease ahead of the trip to Valencia.
“Everyone was in the same hotel in Cyprus and rather than dictate a routine we created an environment where they implemented their own routine in terms of time management,” he added.
“They all enjoyed the multi-class experience which is really powerful in itself. The conditions were very different from home and ones that the sailors don’t experience often.”
Volvo Car UK is the title sponsor of RYA Volvo Team GBR, Britain’s sailing stars of the future and Official Car Partner to the British Sailing Team. For more information go to www.volvocars.co.uk/sailing.
