Rydal Penrhos pupil Freddie MacLaverty has excelled in his recent sporting efforts, from the hockey field to the open waters.
At Rydal Penrhos, celebrating our pupils’ accomplishments is at the heart of our school ethos. Our pupils continuously excel both inside and outside the classroom, showcasing exceptional talent and commitment to their pursuits. One such outstanding individual is Year 11 pupil Freddie MacLaverty, whose recent achievements in sailing and hockey have been truly noteworthy.
Freddie has enjoyed an excellent summer and autumn, as he proudly represented Great Britain in two major sailing events—the ILCA 6 Youth World Championships and the ILCA 6 European Championships in Poland. Over the course of four weeks, Freddie competed against a staggering 270 boats in each event, testing his skills against the very best sailors.
Freddie was one of the youngest sailors in the field when he secured 3rd spot in the Under-17 category and 12th overall at the UK Nationals, a competition which saw him race in Olympic class boats against adults and world champions. Freddie’s strong showing included an impressive second place finish in one of the races.
Freddie’s success continued at the recent Inland Championships, where he claimed the 6th position overall and emerged as the top sailor in the Under-17 category, from a field of 65 participants.
Currently ranked 9th Under-19 in the UK in the ILCA 6, Freddie’s dedication to the sport is undeniable. Despite narrowly missing out on selection for the GB Youth Squad, being one of the final twelve candidates speaks volumes about his potential. Undeterred, Freddie plans to reapply in January, fuelled by the same passion and determination that have propelled him this far.
Beyond sailing, Freddie has also excelled on the hockey field. The Wesley House member has been selected for the Welsh Under-18 squad, following in the footsteps of many talented Rydal Penrhos sporting alumni, most recently Class of 2023 member Alex Starling.
Freddie’s dual commitment showcases his innate sporting talent, something which he continues to maximise through hard work and dedication. Freddie was awarded the Conwy Junior Sportsman of the Year award last year, and he is once again a finalist this year; an amazing feat which speaks to the high standards he continues to maintain.
As Rydal Penrhos celebrates Freddie’s accomplishments, we look forward to witnessing his continued success over the coming months and years. Well done, Freddie, keep doing us proud!
