No fiddle as Maggie is chosen for national sailing squad
A sailor from Lerwick has been selected to join the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Scotland national sailing squad.
Lerwick Boating Club member Maggie Adamson, 16, who is also a champion fiddler, will now receive top level tuition from RYA Scotland’s elite coaches.
The aim is for the sailors to become good enough to make it into the Great Britain sailing team and go for Olympic glory.
Her selection for the RYA Scotland national sailing squad means she will follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s double Olympic gold medal winner, Shirley Robertson, who was also a product of the Scottish training system.
This year’s Scottish squad has the potential to be one of the strongest for some time, with 50 youngsters being selected for 2009 – despite selection criteria being tougher than ever. Each sailor’s racing results, along with their attitude and general ability, are taken into consideration.
RYA Scotland focuses on Optimist, Topper, Laser Radial, 420 and windsurfing sailors, who are trained every few weeks throughout the year.
RYA Scotland high performance manager Roy McCubbin said: “These sailors have shown the talent, commitment and potential to be selected and we look forward to seeing how they develop over the next 12 months.
“The aim of the squad is to act as a pathway into the Great Britain sailing team and these youngsters are part of a very promising group which we hope will be able to take that step and go on to become stars of British sailing.”
RYA Scotland chief operating officer Agnes Barclay said: “Training is a top priority for the racing side of the organisation and absolutely critical for the development of performance sailors in Scotland.
“We’ve assembled some excellent coaches, many of whom have experience of international competition, to make sure our sailors receive the best possible tuition and access to the latest thinking so they have every opportunity to realise their potential.
“Not everyone in the group will be old enough for selection by 2012 and will be focusing on future Olympics but the talent coming through is an indication that elite Scottish sailing is in good health.”
