Four pathway sailors have been selected as PASS recipients for 2025, where they will be provided opportunities to access subsidised additional training and support through the Performance Academy programmes. We are proud to share that one of these sailors is Tom Rawlings!

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

My passion for sailing started when I got into a boat on my own for the first time. I started by doing a taster weekend at my local club where initially I didn’t want to sail but after the session I wanted another go.

What has been your most memorable experience on the water so far?

I remember a training event once where we had a pod of dolphins join in and one of them jumped over my bow!

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

I want this to be an adaptable scholarship that enables me to make progress in the areas that I feel are needed to improve.

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

Currently I enjoy indoor rowing, I find it’s a good way to be competitive with myself. During the summer I also like paddleboarding, only when it’s sunny.

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

I’ve watched a lot of the medal races in lots of different classes, and I find it’s the victory of these athletes is something I take inspiration from.

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

I would love to go sailing in Malta because it’s warm, windy and there is lots of swell.

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

My power would be best VMG always so I would never have to worry about my boat speed ever again.