Saskia Clark to represent Great Britain in the inaugural Puig Women's America's Cup
Saskia Clark, a three-time GB Olympian winning both an Olympic Gold in Rio 2016 and a Silver medal in London 2012, World Championships, numerous World Cup victories and crowned Rolex Sailor of the Year in 2016 alongside teammate Hannah Mills.
The Great British entry for the inaugural Women’s Americas Cup will see the reunion of one of sailing’s most successful competitive partnerships, with Clark and her 470 helm Hannah Mills set to race together again for the first time since winning Gold in Rio, 2016.
On being selected for the Athena Pathway sailing squad to represent Great Britain in the first Women’s Americas Cup, Clark commented: “Very excited is an understatement. Hannah and I had a great Olympic career together and I’m looking forward to reuniting, taking all the learnings from our Olympic experiences and combining them with the broader team's expertise in a new environment and a new class of boat”.
Saskia grew up in West Mersea in England and began sailing with her family, and initially didn’t enjoy it very much. Having started sailing on her own at eight years old, Clark had her first taste of competition sailing in an Optimist at the Dabchicks Sailing Club.
Coach Chris Draper spoke about Saskia and her impressive sailing career saying, “Saskia picked up the sim incredibly fast and some of the ways she learnt to use the HMI systems to operate the boat were ingenious. She brings huge enthusiasm to the team and she has incredible experience in a winning background. Seeing her bring it into the team is incredible to watch”.
Speaking on an immensely exciting year ahead for Athena Pathway and the first Women’s America’s Cup, Clark commented that she’s “really excited about the whole project, not just as a sailor but, as a global project and where we’re heading for our sport and equality.”