Congratulations are in order for Isle of Wight teenager, Arthur Farley, who, during his first time out on the water in 2021, has taken second place in Portugal’s National Championships.
When home, the 17-year-old studies at UKSA, but after being talent-spotted he’s now based at Viana Sailing in Portugal.
A big year
It’s a big year for Arthur, who is now sailing in an Olympic size rig with aspirations of making the Olympic squad in the future. Later this year, Arthur is planning to sail at U21 World Championships in Poland.
Arthur told News OnTheWight,
“My trainer, Miguel Andrade, was very interested in my potential and after he asked me to move to the training camp, the rest was history.
“Miguel plays an essential role in my competition sailing, and helping me to always improve.”
E-Sailing champion
News OnTheWight first reported on Arthur’s successes last year, and one year on he has also just been crowned the Olympic Virtual Series Champion in E-Sailing – a digital sport bigger than it sounds, spanning across the World.
He took up the sport last year when he couldn’t be out on the water, and is waiting to hear whether he’s qualified for a place in the E-Sailing World Championships in Abu Dhabi in September.
Support from IW businesses
As you can imagine, as Arthur improves, so does the cost associated with equipment, training, competitions and general costs.
Arthur has set up a a GoFundMe appeal to help support his aspirations. He explains,
“I am currently out in Portugal to train and compete on an International stage as this experience is essential for my progression on the World Stage.”
“It would be great to be backed by Isle of Wight businesses or people to help put the Isle of Wight on the map and support the place where I have grown up and found my passion for sailing.”
Find out more
For anyone wishing to follow Arthur’s journey you can do so on Facebook or Instagram.
