After achieving three A Levels including a distinction in IT, Sam was lucky to be selected to work at Microsoft UK on an 18-month apprenticeship, starting in September 2015. However, after eight months Sam decided to leave to follow his childhood dream of sailing with the hope to one day compete at the Olympics. Having been a keen sailor from a young age Sam then moved from his home (in Poole) to a shared house in Weymouth.

Since he began full time sailing Sam has been living off savings and doing odd work building websites for friends, family and other small businesses, earning about £500 from this over the past year. He also volunteers (teaching) at Swanage Sailing Club, but finds it difficult to do evening work as he is tired from training.

The biggest difference would come from a new sail followed by a new centreboard, rudder and mast. This equipment would last about a year at elite level and will be used to hopefully win the RYA Youth National Championships as well as the Under-21 Worlds and Europeans.

The grant from the Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund for Young and Talented paid for a new top mast for Sam’s boat.