A DETERMINED 14-year-old is looking to make the transition into Laser Radial sailing while also providing coaching to fellow youngsters.

Portland’s Emma Bishop regularly competes at national events in the Laser class and is also a member of Castle Cove Sailing Club.

Last season, Bishop was one of the top performers at the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth Dinghy Regatta and triumphed in the Slow Handicap fleet in her Laser 4.7.

She said: “Locally, I was most pleased with winning the Weymouth Regatta for the second year running against a lot of mainly adult sailors.

“Luckily there was a lot of wind which is when I sail my best.”

Her efforts at the regatta were recognised with selection for the Great Britain team that travelled to Medemblik in the Netherlands for the Laser 4.7 World Championships.

Bishop’s best result there was a 36th place.

She added: “It was very challenging conditions and most of the people I was sailing against were used to the light and shifty conditions that we had nearly all week.

“It was an amazing experience and even though I didn’t do as well as I had hoped, I enjoyed it so much and learnt a lot about how different it is to competing in the UK and how much of a higher standard it is.

“My Mum and Dad were extremely supportive and without them I wouldn’t have been able to get there or have anywhere to stay so I am very thankful.”

She continued: “Everybody was so sociable. I met so many different people from other countries throughout the week and I hope to meet up with them again in the future.”

Bishop then narrowly missed out on selection for the national squad, however, she has been taking part in the UK Laser Association’s training weekends.

Although unsure at the moment as to whether or not she will apply for the national squad this year, she plans to sail regularly at Castle Cove Sailing Club.

In addition to this, the teenager hopes to provide coaching for the younger members of the club who are sailing Optimists and Toppers.

Bishop said: “As I remember when I was at that stage, a lot of more experienced people helped me and I wouldn’t have got as far without support from older sailors who I looked up too.

“I would like the youngsters to enjoy the sport as much as I do and aspire to competing in major events when they are older, like I have.”

The next event the youngster will attend is the Laser 4.7 Ladder at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in March.

In August, she aims to take part in the Laser National Championships, also held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

“It will be a nice event with not as much pressure but a very enjoyable week of sailing,” said Bishop.