The Sussex Newspaper is told two sailing siblings from Lewes are making waves in their ambitions to become top sailors after claiming the top two podium spots in the one-person Optimist class at the prestigious RYA South East Zone Championships last weekend.
Weir Wood Sailing Club’s Ansel Levy Dethmers, 14, and his 11-year-old sister Saskia dominated the 21-strong Optimist fleet to finish first and second at the Championships, which were hosted at Queen Mary SC, Middlesex, while their Weir Wood club mate, Charlie Gatehouse, took third spot.
The RYA Zone Championships traditionally mark the end of the Junior racing season and are a key event for any sailor wishing to be selected for the RYA Zone and Home Country squads, which are the first step on the pathway to Olympic Classes sailing.
The South East championship was amongst eight RYA Zone and Home Country events taking place at the same time, with more than 1,025 of the nation’s brightest young talents hitting the water in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Ansel, who is in last year of RYA South East Zone Squad, went out with a bang, with two race wins and a second in the fleet’s six races while consistency was the key to Saskia’s success in finishing behind her brother.
The siblings first got into sailing four years ago in Argentina, as their aunt was a coach and their mum, Marci, thought it would be fun for the kids to try it out and they haven’t looked back since.
Ansel said: “I was happy that with very light winds and being the heaviest in the fleet I was able to do well at the event. I feel good because I am leaving the Zone racing on a high note. Racing Saskia motivates me to do better because I don’t want to get beaten by her!”
Saskia added: “I’m really happy, it’s my best result to date! Getting a first in the first race most pleased me. I wanted to do well so I could be in the RYA South East Zone squad again this year. Racing Ansel is quite a challenge because he’s a better sailor but it makes me more competitive.”
British Sailing Team members, London 2012 Paralympic bronze medalist, Alexandra Rickham, and 470 class Podium Potential sailor, Jess Lavery, were on hand to provide support and advice to the 119 sailors competing at Queen Mary over the two days.
The RYA Zone Championships give youngsters the chance to experience big regatta racing, to improve their racing skills and overall ability without having to travel far from their home clubs.
For more information and the full list of results from the 2015 RYA Zone and Home Country Championships visit www.ryaracingevents.org.uk