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A successful season thanks to the GLL Sports FoundationBy Lizzy Foreman

Back in October 2011, I set out on a year long campaign with fellow crew members of the British Keelboat Academy.

Our team, consisting of nine sailors aged between 19 to 22, worked tireslessly in order to represent TEAM GBR at the 2012 Brewin Dolphin Commodore’s Cup, held in July. The Commodore’s Cup is a biennial event, consisting of inshore and offshore racing over seven days of fierce competition.

We did extremely well, coming third individual boat in an international fleet, which consisted of teams from the UK, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Ireland.

Our efforts were further rewarded when we won the ‘Most Impressive Yacht’ prize, and also the Twee Gezusters Trophy- for the highest placed boat with two women as part of the crew.

While managing the team for the Commodore’s Cup, I attended a tough three-day selection process for entry into the Artemis Offshore Academy; a centre of excellence for upcoming solo sailors.

Following the trials I became the only woman to be selected for the 2011-2012 squad, which has given me access to training on a Beneateau Figaro II and a Mini 6.50; yachts recognised the world over as providing the best

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Preparing the hull of the Mini 6.50

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training ground for the everest of solo, offshore racing; the Vendee Globe.

Training with both the British Keelboat Academy and the Artemis Offshore Academy throughout 2011-2012 was tough; physically, mentally and financially. I was at the same time finishing my four year degree in Speech and Language Therapy, qualifying in June 2012.

Without the support of the GLL Foundation, who provided me with a grant of £250 and free gym membership in Surrey, I firmly believe that I would not have been able to participate in the sailing I have this season. The grant was a signifiant help towards my training costs, while the gym membership helped me to save vital funds to put towards travel and kit.

Thanks to the GLL Foundation I am now looking ahead to a fantastic season in 2013 with the Artemis Offshore Academy, where I am currently doing an internship

as Assistant Sailing Project Manager while co-skippering their Mini 6.50, called ‘Basecamp’.

I hope to learn as much as I can about the Mini 6.50 class; throughout the year I have numerous races in France, Italy and the UK, all of which are around 200-500 nautical miles, taking roughly three-five days to complete.

However, as solo, offshore racing is really only a speciality in France, I am required to travel out to Lorient, were a fleet of Mini’s train at the ‘AOS’ centre. It is only here that I will learn the essential skills required to be competitive on the solo offshore circuit.

My ultimate aim is to embark upon my own Mini 6.50 campaign, which over two years would see me compete in the 2015 Mini Transat; a solo transatlantic yacht race covering over 4000 miles, stating from France and ending in Brasil.

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Training on the Solent in Basecamp

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“The Artemis Offshore Academy provides a UK training programme of excellence for British sailors, enabling them to progress rapidly and develop the solo and shorthanded sailing skills and knowledge needed to compete on the world stage of solo offshore racing”

In order to make this happen I am actively seeking sponsorship for the 2013 season. Currently I work evening shifts as a carer three to five nights a week, to cover living costs, gym fees and travel, while I complete my internship (unpaid).

Further support from the GLL Foundation would help me greatly to achieve my dream. In return for support I would be able to provide a weekly blog, with a video update every two weeks.

I currently have a website at the address:

http://lizzyracing.wix.com/lizzyracing

and a Twitter account: ‘@LizzyTwigs’.

Guest speaking, corporate sailing events and branding also provide further opportunities to promote the GLL Foundation.

Thanks again for the fantastic support this season.

Lizzy Foreman

“Due to the hardships Mini sailors sometimes face the class is a great training ground for the larger ocean going classes, such as the Open 60, the yacht of choice for the Vendee Globe”

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