Name: Rio McNab

Age: 13

Sails: ILCA 4

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

I first tried sailing through the Andrew Simpson Sail for a Fiver scheme in Year 6, and I've been hooked ever since. Not long after, I joined the Weymouth Sailing Club and haven't looked back!

What has been your most memorable experience on the water?

Sailing with Mickey Beckett when he joined us for an evening session at Weymouth Sailing Club.

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

This scholarship will give me access to high level coaching and more training opportunities, helping me improve my skills, gain confidence on the water, and perform consistently in competitions. It will support me in reaching my goal of competing at higher-level regattas and progressing as a sailor.

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

I enjoy mountain biking and working on fishing boats in the harbour.

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

I'm inspired by Mickey Beckett because of his skill and dedication, and by Weymouth Sailing Club for its supportive community that helps me grow as a sailor.

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

I would sail in Belize because my dad is from there and my grandad lives there. It would be amazing to explore and sail there.

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

Once, while roll tacking out of Weymouth Harbour, I missed the toe strap and watched my boat sail away—much to the amusement of many spectators on the harbour!

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

I would love the superpower to control the wind, so I could always have the perfect breeze for sailing.