How has your previous experience prepared you for your current role?

I am very privileged to be able to draw upon many of my past experiences of both high level sailing events, whether as a competitor or organiser. I have competed in two Olympic Games and worked as a sailing instructor and coach.

My previous role as a competition manager for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events was the icing on the cake in terms of preparation for my role as WPNSA chief executive.

How will the WPNSA keep the Olympic legacy alive?

One measure for the academy is the number of major sailing events we have booked in over the next few years and I am delighted to report that the spaces are filling up with enquiries for events into 2016 and beyond.

Another significant aspect is what we can offer people who are new to the sport.

This is not limited to the schools and colleges but we welcome anyone who would like to take up the various forms of water sports on offer here.

We are not just about elite sailing and are very proud to work with our on-site partners and the Chesil Trust and now also Chesil Sailability, who have made amazing progress since forming earlier this year.

What does 2014 have in store?

We have many events booked for next year, including Sail for Gold, the Youth Nationals, the Cadet World and National championships, the Optimist Nation-als and the RS Feva Nationals plus the Etchell Europeans and Nationals and Sailfest Regatta.