Year 10 Rydal Penrhos pupil Freddie MacLaverty has secured his place to represent Great Britain at the European and World Championships in Poland this summer.

Sailing has been a beloved sport and pastime at Rydal Penrhos for over 60 years, and the school is proud to have produced numerous accomplished sailors who have gone on to achieve great success and hold a lifelong love of the open water in their heart.

With a Sailing and Water-Sports Centre accredited by the Royal Yachting Association, Rydal Penrhos is dedicated to nurturing young talent, and we looks forward to being able to expand our provision when we move to our new state-of-the-art sailing hub at Porth Eirias.

Year 10 sailor Freddie MacLaverty is a prime example of the kind of athlete our sailing programme is capable of producing.

The talent and potential of the reigning Conwy Young Sportsman of the Year was apparent from an early age. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Freddie was granted Elite Athlete status by Sport Wales, which allowed him to train and develop his abilities while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Last summer, Freddie was the only Welsh member of Team GB at the ILCA Youth World Championships held in Vilamoura, Portugal. At just 15 years old, Freddie was the youngest member of the 31-strong Great Britain squad, a testament to his impressive skills and dedication to the sport.

This winter, Freddie was extensively training all over the UK, and his hard work has paid off with outstanding results. He participated in three qualifying events over four weekends, securing the opportunity to represent Great Britain at the Ilca 6 Youth World Championship in Poland this summer. Freddie will also compete a week later in the European Championships, also taking place in Poland.

Freddie’s is now ranked second-place among Under 17s in the UK, as well as being the top sailor in his age category (Under 16s). With his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, Freddie is sure to make his school and country proud in Poland and continue his prodigious rise in the sailing scene.

All of us at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate Freddie on his impressive accomplishments. He is an inspiration to his peers and a testament to the nurturing environment provided by Rydal Penrhos.

All the best in your upcoming competitions, Freddie!