A GIFTED young sailor has earned selection to a prestigious winter training programme.

Liam Farrell, a Year 9 pupil at Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, was recently called up to the Royal Yachting Association’s Regional Training Group – Feva (North) squad, for their 2020/21 winter coaching initiative.

This recognises his potential to progress within the British Sailing Team, with the aim of winning selection to the UK Youth Squads or the RYA’s Olympic Development programmes.

Liam attained selection to the programme on the basis of performance and commitment to training and competition over a period of several years. This establishes his status as a British Youth sailor with the potential to represent Great Britain at major international events in the coming years.

The pupil has achieved a considerable amount on the water during his time at Rydal Penrhos, with Liam earning national recognition from a very early age as a member of the Prep School.

His exceptional progression was further acknowledged with a UK Feva National Junior Squad last year, and Liam also was also selected to the Welsh National Feva squad last season to further enhance his ever-growing reputation.

The Llandudno Sailing Club member is looking to follow in the footsteps of his brothers – Eddie and Kevin – who also secured a considerable number of impressive accolades in the sailing environment.

As Liam progresses through the performance pathway, the expectations and necessary commitment required to achieve desired performance objectives increase significantly.

Training weekends are generally intense and involve a range of activity including time on the water, fitness training, classroom-based theory sessions and work with specialist support staff and coaches.