Yachts & Yachting – April 2018

100 per cent decided. It will depend

on our objectives, training partners

and the conditions we require.

Of course we also have got to think

about all of our major rivals for this

cycle. First of all, we will need to work

hard to make sure we do actually qualify

for Tokyo. With a strong women’s

470 squad in the UK, this is never

guaranteed but I am pleased to see

such strength and depth in the class.

In terms of international rivals, a new

cycle is always interesting – you’ve got

the people who did well last time around

who just missed out on a medal and who

will be looking to prove themselves this

time. The Dutch definitely fall under

this category and their sailors had a

very strong 2017. Then there are the

new up-and-coming teams who we will

have to learn about – their strengths

and weaknesses, how they race. There

are some great Spanish teams, as well as

lots of new Italians and French, which is

exciting to see. The class is really growing

in strength and depth, but I am positive

that we can stay ahead of the competition

through solid teamwork and, crucially,

dedication to our ultimate goal.

Sponsors are yet another key

consideration for any Olympic athlete.

In the current climate, it is becoming

increasingly difficult for us to find

sponsors and we’re having to adapt

our approach. I feel positive about our

sponsorship potential and I’m sure I

will have exciting news to announce

very soon – watch this space.

FORGING THE WAY

I really want our Olympic campaign

to inspire both current and potential

female sailors. It’s clear that women’s

sailing is really gaining momentum

right now – there are so many success

stories in all aspects of sailing and

yachting. Just look at Libby Greenhalgh,

meteorologist turned Volvo Ocean Race

competitor. She was a navigator on board

Team SCA in the 2014-15 edition of the

Volvo and is currently navigating for

Team Scallywag in the 2017-18 race.

Her journey into the world of sailing

has been truly incredible and she is

a real inspiration to women and girls

looking to get involved with the sport.

The difficulty lies in the limited

number of female sailors. The reason for

this is that there are so few opportunities

for women – it’s a bit of a chicken and

egg type situation. Also, professional

sailing is currently run under men’s rules.

As women we need to understand our

own sailing, how we differ, and how we

can be properly recognised. Of course

there are biological differences, but

women have other qualities that mean

they can be just as good at sailing.

Particularly when it comes to

teams, the Volvo Ocean Race being

a good example, having women

involved creates a completely different

environment and one that I believe is

positive and far more productive.

The talent in women’s sailing all

around the globe is phenomenal,

however it takes time and patience

to spread that message and showcase

this talent to the world.

But we mustn’t give up – it’s time

to show the world what female

sailors can bring to the table!

It’s time to show the world what

female sailors can bring to the table

HANNAH MILLS FEATURE

Above

With a new boat

just arrived, the

training and racing

programme is

now set until

September

Below

New coach Elliot

Willis adds his

experience to the

team dynamic

THE RIGHT REASONS

It took me a long time after Rio to decide whether or

not I wanted to commit to Tokyo 2020. There was an

awful lot to consider, but most importantly I wanted

to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons and

not rushing into a rash decision. In the post-Olympics

period, it is all too easy to get caught up in the emotion

of it all and immediately sign up to do it again. That

hype makes you forget the unbelievable amount of

energy it requires, the many ups and downs as well as

the emotional stress it adds to your life. In 2016 I wasn’t

sure if I had it in me to go through all that again.

Then, after some time out, I decided I’d be mad not to go

again. In all that I’ve done, there has been nothing more special

than representing my country at the Olympic Games. The

idea of doing something else just didn’t sit right – this could

be my last shot to experience that amazing honour. There

was also the added excitement that if I did win another

gold, I could become the most successful female Olympic

sailor of all time. There is no bigger motivation than that!

32 Yachts & Yachting April 2018 yachtsandyachting.co.uk