Sebastian Kempe of Royal Hospital School sails to success at the ILCA 6 Youth World Championship

by Laura Coppock 28 Aug 2021 00:42 NZST

Podium places at the 2021 ILCA 6 Youth Worlds at Lake Garda © RHS

The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Suffolk is celebrating after student Sebastian Kempe won a bronze medal at the ILCA 6 (formerly Laser Radial) Youth World Championship.

Aged 16, Sebastian Kempe competed against over 370 sailors from around the world to secure third place and his bronze medal. Sebastian, who represents Bermuda, began sailing aged just five years old for Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA).

Reflecting on his regatta, Sebastian said: "This was my greatest achievement so far in the ILCA 6 class, as well as in my sailing career.

"I am extremely grateful to the Royal Hospital School for allowing Mr Priestley to travel with me to coach me at the event. I am very excited to continue working with him and the team in the coming months leading up to the 2021 World Sailing Youth World Championship in Oman.

"Hopefully with the continuation of hard work, persistence and support from RHS, in a few months' time we can move up the podium one or two steps."

Shaun Priestley, Assistant Director of Sailing at Royal Hospital School, and Sebastian's Coach said: "Sebastian's hard work in training has paid off at the Youth World Championship. Thanks to his all-round ability in a full range of conditions, we were able to focus on achieving consistent results without the need to take too many risks."

Ed Sibson, Director of Sailing at Royal Hospital School, said: "We are delighted with Sebastian's fantastic achievement. His attitude to training all year has been exceptional, you can really see his drive and determination to succeed. This result represents a huge success, but I'm sure it will only motivate Sebastian to train even harder and be more focused in the coming months."

This outstanding result for Sebastian comes after a string of wins for the sailing teams at the Royal Hospital School, who currently hold four national titles. The school, which is known for its sailing prowess, recently placed top for Under 17's and Under 19's in the school entries at the British Schools Dinghy Racing Association's national finals.

The RHS Sailing Academy is a Royal Yachting Association recognised training centre based at Alton Water reservoir, located just 5 minutes from the main school campus and has a fleet of RS Tera, Topper, ILCA, RS Feva, RS200, 29er and Waszp racing dinghies and more.

At RHS, all school pupils joining in year 7 have a week-long learn to sail experience and the opportunity to join the Sailing Academy. The academy provides regular time on the water and holistic support to the school's elite level sailors, supporting them to compete at the highest level nationally and internationally.