LOCAL sailing star James Chapple has been asked to join an elite group within the existing British Youth Sailing Squad following his successes in 2006. The 16-year-old Grammar school pupil had a tremendous 12 months.
In Easter, Chapple was re-selected to the squad after finishing 12th out of 100 competitors at the Laser Radial class Youth National Champion-ships.
He had been originally selected to the squad in the September before.
In August, at the Radial Class British National Championship, an event for youths and adults combined, Chapple finished 14th overall from a fleet of 125 boats.
That secured a further selection to the British youth squad until Easter 2007.
Not satisfied with this, Chapple entered the three events that comprised the International Sailing Federation selections in the autumn.
These events were open to men, youths and women aspiring for Olympic status and selection for teams to World and European Championships for 2007.
His results were quite remarkable for his age.
He came away from the competitions with individual event results of eighth, 18th and ninth.
Each event was held over a separate weekend and involved five races at each event and 104 British and overseas competitors.
Consequently Chapple finished seventh overall and, more importantly, the second youth spot, establishing him as one of the best sailors in the country for his age.
Subsequently, he was asked to join an elite British TS Squad (tailored support) comprising five of the best youths in Britain. The first training camp took place in October with a further one planned for last weekend.
However, more surprisingly, Chapple has recently received news that he will be part of another British TS Squad.
That comprises five sailors who will be coached for four days next month at the National Training Centre in Portland in the Laser Standard Class which is currently the Olympic class for men.
The Laser Standard boat is a much bigger rig and is a considerable achievement for someone who is so young.
‘I have worked extremely hard all year round both on and off the water,’ Chapple said.
‘The time I have spent at the Fitness Factory has allowed me to increase my level of fitness.
‘This has enabled me to compete on equal terms with the men in the Radial Class and ultimately encouraged the national coaches to move me to the bigger Laser Standard rig.’
Chapple is now expected to remain in the Laser Standard Class and will compete regularly against the world number one, Paul Goodison, at all the British events in 2007.
Article posted on 23rd January, 2007 - 12.00am
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