A PAIR of teenage Solihull sailors claimed a podium spot at a national championship.
Freddie Sunderland and Stella Nygard, both aged 15, put together an impressive series to finish third overall and first in the mixed team at the RS Feva National Championships, hosted by London 2012 Olympic venue, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
The conditions saw Freddie and Stella concluding the 12-race series on a high with a string of top three race results on the final day.
Freddie, who attends to Solihull School, and Stella, who attends Tudor Grange Academy, were also part of a winning team from their home club Draycote Water Sailing Club in Warwickshire.
Their results – combined with those of teammates Katie and Bob Byne and Imogen Green and Felicity Angell – saw Draycote Water Sailing Club leading the overall rankings to earn the title for top club.
Freddie was encouraged into sailing by his two older brothers and has since become hooked.
He said: “Sailing has given me a load of skills like independence and resilience but has also shown me the importance of teamwork and friendship.”
Freddie and Stella both started out sailing at Olton Mere Sailing Club in Solihull and will be be back in Weymouth in July to compete at the RS Feva World Championships.
