Youth America’s Cup Profile: Preston Farrow
In the latest of a series of profiles of members of Bermuda’s team in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, we spotlight Preston Farrow, who provided insight into the dedication and training that it takes to represent one’s country at the very highest of levels.
A former Saltus Grammar School and Somersfield Academy student, Mr. Farrow says “we have a responsibility to represent Bermuda in the best possible light both on and off the water and to be the ambassadors for the island.”
Q: Tell us something about yourself.
A: I am 21-years-old and studying Finance at Loyola University Maryland. During the summer and winter breaks, I am interning with Arch Reinsurance. Before going away to school, I attended both Saltus and Somersfield Academy.
Q: What made you try out for Team BDA in the first place?
A: I saw this as a once in a life time opportunity, having the ability to represent Bermuda on a world stage in home waters. Simply amazing.
Q: Now that you are in Team BDA what do you hope to achieve – you want to win, but do you think you will take sailing even more seriously and look for a career in it, or at least to get more involved in it?
A: I hope that we will go on and win the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup. Absolutely, I am someone that puts 100 percent into everything I do, so if an opportunity comes out of the Youth America’s Cup, I will definitely consider pursuing it.
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: To be part of Team Bermuda requires dedication and commitment to fitness, team, coaches, willingness to learn from the best in the world all while sailing some of the highest tech boats on the plant.
Couple that with the unique opportunity and responsibility to represent Bermuda on a world stage, I feel honoured, but believe the experience will leave not only a lasting memory but will provide skills that will be valuable going forward.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Bermudian, racing in Bermuda for Bermuda in such a prestigious event?
A: I see this as a once in a life time opportunity and will enjoying every single moment. I also see this as a big responsibility. The eyes of the world will be on Bermuda and all the Team BDA members. We have a responsibility to represent Bermuda in the best possible light both on and off the water and to be the ambassadors for the island.
I would hope that the take away from this event will not only be what a beautiful and amazing event place Bermuda is, but also can be summed up in one word: class! Classy Island and classy team! We want people to not only want to come back to the Island but look forward to the next trip.
Q: Do you think the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for Bermuda?
A: Yes. This is the first time Bermuda is going to be represented and I hope we prove ourselves to be contesters for years to come.
Q: What sailing experience do you have already?
A: When I was younger I sailed optimist for a couple of years out of the Dingy Club. Then throughout the years I have had the opportunity to sail a bit recreationally on Hobbie Cats.
Q: What excites you most about the lead-up to race time?
A: Learning as much as I can about sailing these extraordinary boats. As well as forming a great partnership with all my team mates. Making Bermuda proud!
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.
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