Final 15 Selected For Bermuda’s Youth AC Team
After a grueling last training session that pushed them to their physical limits the final 15 members of Team BDA have been selected to compete against some of the best young sailors in the world in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.
The last trial to select Team BDA members was held over the weekend at the Oracle Team USA base and at AC Endeavour West, both in Dockyard, and last night the final 15 – athletes and sailors – were selected to continue their training.
They are: Connor Astwood, Edmund 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.
Jane Savage, chairperson of the Team BDA Red Bull Youth America’s Cup committee, said, “These young men and women have shown extraordinary commitment throughout the selection process.
“It is really gratifying to see young Bermudians with this much enthusiasm and drive and I am quite sure they will do Bermuda proud. I hope everyone will give them their fullest support.
“I also want to acknowledge the effort and commitment of those who are not advancing. All of them are talented, impressive young Bermudians who, as a result of this process, are better prepared for success in whatever they attempt next.”
She added: “There will now be extensive training to decide the six crew, the reserves and those who will be part of the shore team.”
Team BDA is being mentored by Oracle Team USA and racing will take place in the Great Sound in June next year with all the teams using the AC45F catamarans used by the America’s Cup teams in last October’s Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Bermuda.
Team BDA member Preston Farrow said he was thrilled to be selected, adding: “I did some sailing at the last training session over the Easter weekend and thought ‘yes, this is for me’.
“The training to get into the final team has been exhausting, but it has all been worth it and I cannot wait to represent Bermuda. I cannot think that I will ever have a better experience.
“I feel bad about the guys who did not make it, but I know they will be fully behind the team.”
Fellow member Peter Dill added: “This means a tremendous amount to me – to be able to represent Bermuda, in Bermuda in front of my family and friends is awesome and I imagine it will be an experience that will be hard to beat.
“I feel for the guys who did not make the cut. I saw a lot of very upset people who had worked tremendously hard but now we, as a team, have to do our best to make sure we do not let anyone down.”
This is an amazing opportunity for these young folks! Well done, guys!
You are all Winners, even if you didn’t get the Final Pick. Just to see the Young people that gave their Best Effort is rewarding and Fantastic to see. I hope a documentary is done about this showing the determination, enthusiasm and courage of Young Bermuda! And who says Bermudians are lazy?! What Lies being told that only fools believe! Very proud to be Bermudian! Great Stuff!
SO FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!
Yessiiiiii
Doest matter what happens this is a great opportunity for these guys.
It must have been extremely difficult to select these 15 young men and women from all of the candidates, and the criteria would have to have included a combination of physical strength and endurance, along with sailing ability and the ability to make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure. Congratulations to these 15, for getting this far, and also well done to all those who tried out for the team and gave it 100% effort. There is bound to be disappointment but there are no losers. Berry Realist says it all. Proud to be a Bermudian.
you’re proud to be a Bermudian are you … hope to see you May 24th?! if you not know May 24th is Bermuda Day.
Elaborate ace boy!
Not sure if your saracstic comment is meant for me, but I suspect I’ve seen quite a lot more Bermuda Day’s that you due to age rather than being in a ‘drunken’ state!
I celebrate my maritime heritage on the water, if you are out give me a wave. I think it sounds as if you are going to the parade which is cool too if you like that kind of thing.
Must be a cuz of Betty.
America’s Cup is providing so many opportunities for Bermuda and Bermudians and this is a prime example. Thank you to all who are providing the opportunities and congratulations to all taking advantage!
Well done. Congratulations to you all!
Whomever will make the pick……you will do Bermuda proud in the upcoming America’s Cup pre-sailing events
…Thank you to ‘All’ our beloved youth who wish to represent our Island Home in such a great manner!!!……#blessyou
Congratulations!! Awesome display of teamwork, tenacity, and young men focused on the same goal! Wishing each of you much success as you journey on!
And two women
Congrats Peter. Keep up the great work I am so proud you. I will continue to follow you on this great journey and many more.