Name: Edie Phillips

Age: 14

Sails: Topper 5.3, but hoping to transition into an ILCA in the next year

What first sparked your passion for sailing, and how did you get started?

I've been sailing for as long as I can remember! My parents have always sailed, so I was basically born into it. Before I was born they sailed around Britain to raise money for brain tumour research, so being on the water has always felt like where I belong.

I first learned to sail on the Norfolk Broads in an Optimist, before moving to Devon where I joined Stoke Gabriel Boating Association (SGBA) and did a few RYA courses. Not long after, I got my own Topper and started going to local training and events, and that's when sailing really became an addiction. I genuinely don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get out on the water.

Over the last couple of years my goals in sailing have grown a lot, and I've discovered how much I love racing. I keep coming back for the buzz of being on the water, the fresh air, the amazing people in the sailing community — and because I'm always chasing that feeling of getting a little bit better every time I sail.

What has been your most memorable experience on the water?

My most memorable experience on the water was competing at the Topper World Championships in Medemblik in the Netherlands in summer 2025. It was my first big international event and my first week-long regatta, and the atmosphere was incredible – super competitive but still really friendly, which made it such an amazing experience.
One moment that really stands out was checking the flight lists after qualifiers and realising I'd made it into Gold Fleet. For my first Worlds, that felt like a huge achievement, and I was so proud and happy in that moment. I also loved spending time with friends both on and off the water, which made the whole week even better.

That event definitely changed my mindset. Making Gold Fleet and then climbing halfway up it during the championships made me realise how much I want to push myself further, both at future Worlds and across national events in the UK.

How do you hope this scholarship will help you achieve your sailing goals?

I hope this scholarship will help me take the next step in my sailing by giving me access to great coaching and support to get better at what I love. I'm really focused on improving my racing consistency, tactics, and confidence – both in my Topper and as I start moving into ILCA.

With this help, I want to become a stronger, more confident sailor and have a clearer plan for the future so I can keep pushing myself at national and international events.

When you're not sailing, what are some of your other hobbies or interests?

When I'm not sailing, I love getting creative – baking cakes, trying out new recipes, and doing art projects. I also love being outside, whether it's exploring or just enjoying the fresh air. It's a nice balance to life on the water and keeps me inspired for whatever's next!

Who or what inspires you most in your sailing journey and why?

Of course, I want to win – who doesn't?! But what really inspires me in sailing is being out on the water, learning new skills, and sharing it all with my friends. I love pushing myself in races, seeing how I can improve from last time, and challenging myself to do my best every time I step on the boat.

If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

If I could sail anywhere, I'd love somewhere warm with nice wind and sunshine – perfect for relaxing on the water. But I also dream of racing in a SailGP boat one day, going really fast and being part of a team representing my country. That mix of speed, teamwork, and adventure really excites me!

Do you have any funny or embarrassing sailing moments you'd like to share? 

I've had plenty of funny and embarrassing moments on the water – I've missed the toe straps and fallen out of the boat more times than I can count, and I've even capsized in 3 knots of wind while being on camera in multiple occasions! Some of my best memories are just laughing with my friends at lunch or in the training room after something silly happens. Sailing isn't just about racing, it's about having fun too!

If you could have any sailing-related superpower, what would it be?

If I could have any sailing superpower, I'd definitely want to teleport across the course, this would be useful if I start near the back or am having a bad race and need a boost! I'd also love to be able to see into the future to know what the wind is about to do, or where it will shift, and maybe get some tips from dolphins or seabirds while I'm at it. I'd be the sneakiest, fastest, most super sailor on the water!