“Sailing gives me something to look forward to and encourages me to stay engaged and involved. I have always been a responsible student but sailing gives me extra motivation. It makes me more focused and determined.”
Loreto started sailing in 2023 when she joined GCA 6th Form. Sailing was offered as a PE option at school. This immediately caught her attention as she wanted to try something new.
“At first, sailing was one day a week where I could switch off from everything else and focus purely on being on the water. As it was a completely new sport for me, I really wanted to make the most of the opportunity and challenge myself.”
After a short period she was ready for the next challenge and grabbed the opportunity to join a tall ship voyage.
“I joined a five-day sailing voyage, where I got the full sailing experience. I decided I wanted to commit more time and get competitive.”
Her goal is to continue improving her skills and to help develop the girls’ sailing team for the younger years. “I want them to enjoy sailing and find their confidence on the water, just as I did.” She is keen to level the playing field with the boys and encourage more girls into the sport.
After school, she wants to continue her passion and is looking to study Sports Science at university, with a view to having a career as a teacher or sports coach.
“Sailing is a male dominated sport, but through the programme I have been so fortunate to meet some incredible sailors, like Pip Hare who inspired me to build my own path and include sailing in my life. Other sailing heroes like Hannah Mills @ SailGP, Heather Thomas of Maiden and Jaz Turner (Project FEAR) have all encouraged me to do the same. These amazing women encourage us to be brave, to push forward and make the most of every opportunity given to us.”
