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Pembrokeshire College, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1SZ

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Former College student sets sights on being the youngest skipper

Lowri Boorman at helm of boat.

Former Pembrokeshire College engineering learner, 19-year-old Lowri Boorman, has set her sights on becoming the youngest person to skipper a yacht in the prestigious Royal Western Yacht Club Round Britain and Ireland Race 2022 and, together with first-mate Elin Jones from Wrexham, they are also looking to take the title of the youngest female duo to complete the race.

Taking place every four years, Lowri and Elin are looking to inspire more young females to enter what is still a male-dominated sport. Having joined the RYA Onboard Scheme to get young kids into sailing at age eight, she then started training at Neyland, Fishguard and Pembrokeshire yacht clubs and is now working within the sector delivering yachts to clients across Europe and as an instructor at Pembrokeshire Performance Sailing Academy. Lowri is passionate about sailing and wants to show what is possible with ambition, courage and determination.

In order to compete, Lowri and Elin must first raise almost £9,000 which includes around £7,000 to charter a yacht for the event as well as the £1,700 entry fee.

In the British National Squad at the age of 15, and crowned Female British National Topper Champion at the National Championships in 2018, Lowri has a wealth sailing experience as well as her yachtmaster qualification enabling her to captain yachts up to 24 metres long and up to 150 miles offshore.

Lowri commented: “We are really looking for local sponsors to help us raise the funds needed to complete the challenge. We would love to be able to spread the names of local businesses on our journey around the British Isles.

“Whilst this is one of the most gruelling races, we both have extensive sailing experience and are ready for the challenge. We have become even more determined since deciding to honour our grandparents who sadly passed away from dementia by doing the race in their memory whilst at the same time raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.”

Starting on 29 May in Plymouth, the race will cover 2,000 nautical miles with three mandatory stop-overs at Galway, Lerwick and Blyth.

If you are interested in sponsoring Lowri and Elin, or know someone with a suitable yacht who would be willing to support this great challenge, please get in touch with Lowri and Elin via their website where you can find out more about the challenge, their sailing experience: www.landeoffshore.com or to donate go to their GoFundMe page.

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