Andrew Following in FP Sailing Stars’ Footsteps

Andrew learned to sail at 8 years old on the Lomond School/ RYCYC Sailing Programme and very quickly developed a passion for the sport. With some very successful role models on his doorstep including Lomond School FP Anna Burnet, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics, Andrew has his ambitions set on becoming an Olympian and is certainly heading in the right direction.

Since lockdown restrictions were lifted Andrew has accomplished a fantastic set of achievements and is now the Scottish Optimist Champion. He also won the Scottish Easter Trophy 2022 at Annandale and placed 16^th in Junior Fleet at Optimist Nationals in Weymouth 2021. In addition to his competition successes, Andrew was selected for 2021-22 RYA Optimist Performance Squad which involves training at residential camps over the course of the year.

Most recently, he was one of two Scottish sailors to be invited to IOCA GBR selections at Weymouth 2022 where he has subsequently been selected for the GBR team for The French Optimist National Championships which kick off this Saturday. He spent time training with the team in Lymington and Calshot in June which he enjoyed immensely and we are all looking forward to hearing how he performs in France this weekend! 

Andrew’s mum, Victoria Perratt said: “Sailing in general – the continuous journey of learning and spirit of adventure has imbued both Andrew and his sister Clementine with determination, integrity, resilience and team spirit.”

Andrew said: “I am really competitive and always set out to win a race but what I really love about sailing is the freedom and the speed! Also with sailing as part of the curriculum at Lomond I can share my love for the sport with my friends here which is amazing.”