HYC Cadet Keith Glynn has been successful, amongst many hopeful applicants across Europe aged between 18 and 23, in achieving a position with UKSA Sailing Academy.
These funded 'scholarships' which originated with the Bear of Britain Trust are awarded to youth cruiser sailors with exceptional talent, commitment and drive.
The aim is to provide development and training on and off the water to fast track the students to achieve their full potential at a world class standard.
Keith underwent a grueling set of tests and interviews and in addition to sailing skills was tested on fitness, aptitude and team skills to assess both drive and ability. He was then short listed with 60 other hopefuls to the final selection of 16 crew for each of two UKSA sponsored identical Farr 52's.
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Keith Glynn
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These yachts will compete with academy crew in most major UK regattas starting with the Red Funnel Regatta and ending with the Fastnet Race under the guidance of Ben Willows and Luke McCarthy.
Off the water training will be provided by leading sports fitness coaches and equipment and electronics manufacturers including Lewmar, Harken, Marlow etc.. The program includes a summer job with the GBR Challenge to fill any spare time !
Keith started sailing with Sunburn in Class 2 at age 15 in 2002 and quickly worked up to foredeck, where with his commitment, attitude and attention to detail he excelled. In 2006 Keith joined the Irish Commodores Cup shore crew and sailed with Independent Bear.
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There is salt water in the veins as his uncles can be found at all corners of the harbour and are the backbone of the 'Duffy Lifeboat'.
Uncle Michael is a 17 Footer (Hera) sailor and lifeboat crew, Uncle George is lifeboat 2nd cox and cruises aboard his ketch 'Dance de Feu' and Uncle Robert is lifeboat Cox and harbour constable.
Keith himself is on the in-shore and off-shore lifeboat crew continuing the tradition. Many of you will have met Keith in the marina office, on the crane or driving the launch when not at school or college.
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Photo above
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The Sunburn crew presenting Keith with a congratulatory bottle of champagne after his last HYC race before departing to the UK until August, when the UKSA program completes.
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