Interview: Ross Thompson - Two Times Youth Nationals Champion in the 420

Another day and another interview, this time with Ross Thompson - two times RYA Youth Nationals winner in the 420 class.

Sailing Chandlery have sponsored Ross for a number of years now and it's great to see him winning events.

Congratulations on your victory in Largs, how does it feel?

It feels great to win the youth nationals again this year. It was a tough week with no racing on the first two days due to strong wind, but we eventually got racing and put in some consistent results. On the final day we needed to secure one top 7 finish and to go and win both races was incredible.

This year you sailed with Niamh, last year with Alex – how different are they both to sail with?

Alex and Niamh are both quite different people to sail with in the way they communicate. However they are both really good at making the boat go quick which is ultimately what you’re looking for in a good helm.

You’ve been sponsored by Sailing Chandlery (previously Dinghy Rope) for a number of years now, how does the sponsorship make a difference to your sailing?

The sponsorship makes a great difference to my sailing! Having access to the top of the range kit and ropes means I’m far less likely to be let down by gear failure and it means I’m very rarely cold on the water!

It’s still early in the main sailing season. What goals do you have this year?

My goals for this year are to try and medal at the Worlds and Europeans taking part in America and Portugal respectably in the summer.

Best bit of sailing clothing from the week?

The best piece of sailing kit from the week has got to be the Zhik superwarm skiff suit. It’s the warmest out there and certainly proved it’s worth with -4 degree wind chills on some days.

What’s the next event you’ll be taking part in?

The next event I will be competing in will be the first 470 olympic ranker of the spring series. This is to get some experience against the best sailors in the country.