Youth America’s Cup Profile: Nicholas Pell
In the latest of a series of profiles of members of Bermuda’s team in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, we spotlight Nicholas Pell, 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 student, Mr. Pell said, “It is always a pleasure and an honour to represent Bermuda, but to do it in front of not only a home crowd, but people from around the world, that makes this opportunity even more incredible.”
Q: Tell Bernews something about yourself.
A: I am 19-years-old and studying Engineering Physics at Loughborough University in England. I attended Saltus Grammar School until last year.
Q: What made you try out for Team BDA in the first place?
A: I have always enjoyed competing at a high level in sport, and this combined with my passion for science and engineering made this the ultimate event for me.
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: To me the ultimate prize would be to earn a spot on one of professional America’s Cup teams. However regardless of how we do next year, it is my goal to pursue a career as an engineer in the America’s Cup once I graduate from University.
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: Competing in an event like this is not only an incredible thing to experience, it also can be a stepping stone to help you achieve much more. Being a part of this endeavour demonstrates commitment, an ability to learn fast, to work hard and as part a team, things that all employers look for.
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 a pleasure and an honour to represent Bermuda, but to do it in front of not only a home crowd, but people from around the world, that makes this opportunity even more incredible.
Q: What excites you most about the time leading up to race time?
A: The thing I am looking forward to most is learning new things and expanding my ability. It’s always interested me getting pushed to my limit and being forced to grow, so to be looking at over a year of intense trying and completing where I am being pushed every day makes me very excited.
Q: Do you think the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for Bermuda?
A: I think this America’s Cup could have huge lasting effects on Bermuda. Beyond simply the massive economic benefits, there are the opportunities it affords of young beyond and hopefully the inspiration it gives them to chase their dreams when they see so many incredible people out there living theirs.
Q: What sailing experience do you have?
A: Before trying out for Team BDA, the only sailing experience I had was a youth sailing camp when I was 12, and that characterizes how incredible this competition and this team are; they afford opportunities to and encourage people who never would have dreamt this possible.
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.
Congrats Nicholas it’s is so wonderful to see Bermudian involved in the AC. Enjoy it to the fullest.
Way to go!