Young Jess from Rugby is sailing to success

A chance meeting with the British Olympic sailing team when she was six sparked a love for sailing which has seen young Rugbeian Jess Powell win rafts of awards.

At eight years old Jess passed her preliminary qualifications and joined Draycote Water Sailing Club.

She then completed her advanced training a year later and her competition-winning skills have seen her pass selection for the British Youth Sailing Squad Regional Training Group – the first step on the path to becoming an Olympic sailor.

Parents Donna and Mike said they extremely proud of Jess’s determination.

Lockdown has not stopped Jess, she has been working on her fitness and honing her skills at home.

The family said they would like to give their thanks to the Draycote sailing club for their support.