Chiswick teen triumphs in prestigious racing championships

A thirteen year old sailor from Chiswick has double cause for celebration after landing two top prizes at the 2009 RYA Eric Twiname Championships last weekend.

Latymer pupil Mary Hendersen triumphed at one of Britain’s biggest events in junior sailing alongside crew mate 12-year-old crew Jack Hardie winning two and coming second twice thus throwing down the gauntlet to their fellow Cadet sailors.

Now in their 23rd year, the Championships held at Rutland Water on the 9th and 10th May, are the pinnacle of the racing calendar for the RYA Zone and Home Country squads, which are the first rung on the ladder towards Olympic Classes sailing.

The event saw nine squad teams compete against each other over two days for the prestige of picking up the coveted Eric Twiname Shield and being named top RYA Zone.

Speaking after being crowned top girl helm, Mary said, “I really enjoy the RYA Eric Twiname Championships, this was my third time but my first time as a helm and I learned a lot. The Championships feel more relaxed than some events and because the fleets tend to be smaller it makes the racing really fun. I came off the water on Saturday really feeling like we had achieved something.”

For full results and details on the 2009 RYA Eric Twiname Championships visit www.ryaracingevents.org.uk

May 13, 2009