Youth America’s Cup Profile: Ceci Wollman
In the latest of a series of profiles of members of Bermuda’s team in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, we spotlight Ceci Wollman who provided insight into the dedication and training that it takes to represent one’s country at the very highest of levels.
The 18-year-old sailor — who has qualified for the 2016 Olympics — said it is “always an honour to represent Bermuda” and as one of only two females on the team, she thinks they “have the opportunity to show younger girls that we are able to compete side-by-side with the guys.”
Q: Tell us something about yourself.
A: I am 18-years-old and graduating from Saltus this year. As I have been sailing and traveling all year Saltus has allowed me to do online classes. Now that I have made the team, I will be taking a gap year and hopefully starting university in the Fall of 2017. This year I won Bermuda Female Junior Athlete of the Year.
Q: What excites you most about the lead-up to race time?
A: I am really excited to work with the team and move into faster boats. Right now I sail a Laser radial which is a singlehanded boat, but I think I will like being on a team and sailing with other people. These next 14 months will go really fast and we will all have a very steep learning curve. For me I have had the experience of transitioning from the Optimist to the Byte, then to the Laser radial, but now moving into the Red Bull and fast catamarans will be a totally different experience which I am looking forward to.
Q: What made you try out for Team BDA in the first place?
A: I am and have been an avid sailor for the past few years. Recently, I represented Bermuda at the Youth Olympic, Pan Am Games and numerous World Championships. Having qualified for the Olympics, I felt I could be a good asset to the team. The America’s Cup in the biggest sailing event; it is every sailor’s goal to get there. This is an amazing opportunity for everyone in Bermuda.
Q: Now that you are in Team BDA what do you hope to achieve?
A: I want to use the experience I gain from Team BDA in catamarans and my experience from competing in the 2016 Olympics in Laser Radials to possibly try a Nacra 17 campaign for the Olympics in 2020.
Q: Do you think that taking part in an event like this is something that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your lives?
A: As one of only two girls on the team, I think that we have the opportunity to show younger girls that we are able to compete side-by-side with the guys. The business world is still very male dominate and this experience will give confidence in knowing that anything is possible.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Bermudian, racing in Bermuda for Bermuda in such a prestigious event?
A: It is always an honour to represent Bermuda no matter where in the world I am competing. However, I am super excited to compete on my home waters with Bermuda watching and supporting. It will be an awesome feeling knowing that the community is behind us.
Q: Do you think the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for Bermuda?
A: Yes, I believe the Red Bull and the whole America’s Cup will leave a lasting legacy in Bermuda. Lots of sailors know that Bermuda has some of the best sailing conditions in the world. Bermuda now hosting this event confirms this and I believe Bermuda will gain many more world class sailing events in the future. It’s great to have the support of ORACLE TEAM USA and all Bermudians should get behind them for giving us this opportunity. Let’s hope they retain the Cup and keep it in Bermuda!
Team BDA is Bermuda’s entry into the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup that will take place in the Great Sound in June 2017. They are mentored by Oracle Team USA and will race on the same high-speed AC45F catamarans seen during last October’s Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in Bermuda.
The team comprises of 15 young Bermudians who will form the crew, the back-up crew and shore crew. Team BDA is being funded entirely by donations.
Team members are Connor Astwood, Mackenzie Cooper, Peter Dill, Preston Farrow, Na’eem Griffith, Philip Hagen, Kalin Hillier, Mustafa Ingham, Emily Nagel, Daniel Pell, Nicholas Pell, Owen Siese, Dimitri Stevens, Shomari Warner and Cecilia Wollmann.
