Team Great Britain to send three teams to the RS Venture Connect World Championship in November.

Published 17:58 on 9 Nov 2022

Team Great Britain to send three teams to the RS Venture Connect World Championship in November.

Derwent Reservoir sailors Adam Billany and Colin Midgley are among then.

Three crews are set to represent Team GBR in the RS Venture Connect Championships in Oman this November.

Introducing the Team GBR crews

In crew one is Adam Billany from DRSC and Jazz Turner, both were introduced to sailing at a young age and haven't stopped since. Adam's first taste of sailing was on his Uncle's Topper, and Jazz stepped in to take her friend's sailing lesson - whilst the rain put her friend off, for Jazz she fell in love with sailing that day. Adam is a keen fleet racer in his 2.4M at DRSC usually in a winning position.

Competing together they are both excited to be sailing with other para sailors their age and looking forward to trying a new format of racing and representing their country at a world championship. Jazz commented:

"It's really cool that we are an under-25 team, as you usually don't have people your age at an event."

In crew 3, six-time Blind Sailing World Champion Lucy Hodges is sailing with Colin Midgely a GP 14 sailor from DRSC, her sighted crew. Lucy and Colin have been sailing together for some time and won an impressive array of medals. Lucy has this to say: "Blind Sailing is a passion for me and Colin, on a boat we are a team we both have strengths and weaknesses, but we have won World titles together. Communication is key in blind sport, and we are taking part in the RS Venture Worlds to give blind sailing a voice and to help open pathways and see where we can join up all types of disabled sailing.

This event is looking to bring more countries together on the water after the pandemic and looks to increase participation to help sailing back into the Paralympics. Lucy is also looking to ensure blind sailors have a voice and help create pathways for others. Lucy has sailed with and been coached by Colin for over 8 years now and they have a winning streak behind them.

Blind Sailing History and still making history.

2013 - World Blind Fleet Racing Champions with individual, B1 Gold, B2 Gold, B3 Silver.

2014 - World Blind Match Racing Champions

2015 - World Blind Fleet Racing Champions with individual, B1 Bronze, B2 Silver, B3 Silver.

2016 - World Blind Match Racing Champions

2017 - World Blind Fleet Racing Champions with individual, B1 Silver, B2 Gold, B3a - Gold, B3b Silver.

2018 -World Blind Match Racing Champions

2019 -World Blind Fleet Racing Champions with individual, B1 Bronze, B2 Gold, B3 - Silver.

2022 Blind European Match Racing Silver.

This is a world class event and it is a fantastic indictment for DRSC, with representatives in two of the three GBR teams.

Sponsorship for 2022 RS Venture Connect World Championships Oman 23rd 27th Nov

Adam is supported with funding from the RYA sailability youth programme but Colin is having to do his own fundraising and is requesting support.

If you wish to donate to Colin's campaign

PayPal is @colmidge

or sort code 04 00 75, acc no. 08026114

Or you can send on Revolut by following this link:

revolut.me/colina3n

Last updated 17:34 on 28 October 2023