Andrew Bridgman is going for gold once again, representing Guernsey Yacht Club on the world’s stage.
He’s launching a fresh bid to win the Foiling Waszp World Championships, which are being held in the UK for the first time this summer, from July 19 to 25, in Weymouth and Portland.
The International Stock Exchange (TISE), through its private markets service TISE Private Markets, is sponsoring the Guernsey sailor.
Mr Bridgman will have his work cut out though, with more than 250 competitors expected to participate.
However, he has the experience to back up his bid, having finished 22nd out of 140 competitors in 2024, and 12th out of over 90 competitors in 2023.
Not only that, but this year’s afloat fleet of racing craft are faster than ever, with a new rudder foil design introduced this year, promising faster boat speeds and more exciting racing.
If he does win however, he’ll etch his name into the history books, and continue a tradition of Guernsey’s residents being intrinsically connected to the sea and its stories.
Mr Bridgman recently sustained a hand injury while training in Guernsey, which forced him to miss his first regatta of the season.
Ahead of the world championships, Mr Bridgman said he’s keen to get back out on the water.
“I’ve had a very interesting winter travelling across Asia but now I’m really looking forward to a good summer of sailing. I had a great experience training with the US sailing team in Hawaii, and I enjoyed coming back to Guernsey during May but unfortunately, I picked up a hand injury while I was training in the island which has forced me to miss the first regatta.”
He continued: “I’m keen to get back out on the water as soon as possible because a new design of rudder foil has been introduced this year which means that the boats can travel much quicker and it should lead to some very exciting racing during this season.”
Cees Vermaas, the CEO of TISE, Mr Bridgman’s sponsor, added: “We’re delighted to once again support Andrew in his mission to be number one in the world. Sailing at this level takes a lot of commitment in a number of different ways and so we are pleased to offer our assistance.
“All of us here at TISE wish Andrew the very best for the season ahead and especially the world championships in the UK.”
