Breaking through the Barriers: Corneille is selected for RYA British Youth Sailing Team
This is a first for GCA and for British sailing. We are thrilled to share news of Corneille’s selection for the RYA British Sailing Youth Team – marking not only a major personal achievement, but a powerful statement about equality of opportunity and inclusion in one of the UK’s least accessible sports. His selection for the national team marks an important achievement for young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
Despite the challenges that surrounded him, Corneille took to the water to enter a sport often perceived as out of reach for many young people, particularly those from inner city and diverse backgrounds. Corneille’s success did not happen by accident. It is the result of over a decade of GCA’s exceptional sailing programme, and sustained support from donors across the sailing community. What began as curiosity quickly became a defining ambition. RYA Director of Sport, Nick Scott echoed that ambition:
“We want to make sailing more affordable and accessible. We are committed to building a team that represents the whole of Great Britain and is reflective of British society. Corneille’s achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work. It reflects an important shift in our approach, recognizing future potential, not just selecting those who have had the greatest access and opportunity.”
There is still a long way to go. Sailing remains prohibitively expensive for most UK state-school students. We will continue to work with the RYA and other national bodies to break down those barriers and broaden the talent pipeline. Corneille’s achievement is proof that talent is everywhere – opportunity is not.
Read more: Corneille – Scaramouche Sailing Trust
Image credit: Lotte Johnson Film
