Sailing Scholar selected for World Cup Final

Kirstie is in her second year Studying Sport and Exercise Science and has been part of the Sports Scholarship scheme and High performance Sailing Programme since joining the University. Kirstie commented: "This is an amazing opportunity for me. I am really excited to get out on the water training and competing and to see how our performance compares to the top sailors in the world".

The event in Abu Dhabi is the last of the ISAF World Cup Sailing Events for the 2014 season. Just 20 boats in each of the 10 Olympic Classes have been selected from across the world​ to compete, so the competition is set to be fierce. A number of Olympic, World and Continental Champions will be sailing at this pinnacle regatta. Kirstie's fellow sailor Kate competed at the 2012 Olympics in an Elliot 6M and has her sights set on the 2016 Olympics.

Alison Davidson, Director of Sport at the University commented: “We are excited to have Kirstie representing the country at this prestigious event, as well as flying the flag for Exeter. It is really is praise to the tireless efforts by our athletes themselves and to the staff delivering the high performance programme”. 

A number of Exeter Alumni will also be taking to the water in Abu Dhabi to represent Great Britain. Four times World Champion Nick Thompson (Exercise and Sports Science, 2008) will be action in the Laser Category, Sophie Wegeulin (Exercise and Sports Science, 2000) is in the women’s 470 class. Nicola Groves (Human Biosciences, 2010) will race in the Nacra 17, and Andrew Walsh (Exercise and Sports Science, 2003) will be competing in the same class. Former student Izzy Hamilton will represent GB in windsurfing.

As one of the University’s Focus Sports, Exeter’s sailing programme receives specialist support from the High Performance Unit. Close links with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) make it a destination institution for aspiring sailors, with three current scholars forming part of the RYA Podium Potential Squad.

You can follow Kirstie’s action on ISAF World Cup website.