Schoolgirl makes sailing history

Thursday 13 November 2014

The life of a young Jersey sailor is about to change tack now she's been picked to represent Great Britain.

12-year-old Phoebe Le Marquand is one of only five girls from all over the UK to be selected for the team that will compete at the Irish National Championships.

The St Michael’s School student who learnt to sail with St Catherine’s Sailing Club has spent most of the year juggling her schoolwork with racing away from Jersey at National and International level and it’s paid off – she’s the youngest Jersey sailor and first girl to have ever qualified for a place on the RYA National Intermediate Optimist Class Association squad team this winter.

She’ll now get to train and compete most weekends with the UK’s best coaches and junior squad sailors.

Phoebe said: “I know that to keep up at this level from Jersey is going to be incredibly tough but I am going to do my best to carry on flying the flag for Jersey both on the British and International sailing circuit!”

St. Catherine’s Sailing Club Commodore Simon Le Huray said: “We are all so proud of Phoebe’s achievements, it’s not easy for anyone to reach this level in our sport which requires significant mental and physical fortitude, along with competing most weekends, away from home, at National and International level. Let’s not forget her supportive parents whose un-waning encouragement has been key for Phoebe’s success.

She really is a wonderful ambassador for Jersey, Sailing and our little club at St. Catherine’s, with many of our younger sailors now being inspired by the achievements of this delightful young sailor”. 

Phoebe is already off to a great start – she’s just won the ACE Boat Trophy for the top Junior Girl at the National End of Seasons Championships at Rutland Water. She’s the first Jersey girl to take home this prestigious trophy.