GBR 49er sailor who placed 4th at the 49er Worlds this year, joins Athena Pathway for the Youth America's Cup
James Grummett is a dedicated and passionate sailor who has spent the last five years competing in the 49er class with the British Sailing Team. Through his hard work and dedication, he found himself with a 4th place finish at the 49er World Championships earlier this year, a significant achievement that underscores his potential on the international stage.
James's journey in sailing began at a young age. He learned to sail at Burwain Sailing Club when he was just 8 years old. His early passion and talent quickly became evident as he progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the 29er National Champion in 2015. This early success laid the foundation for his future in competitive sailing and ignited a lifelong passion for the sport. James's commitment to his sailing is evident not only in his 49er campaign but also in his extensive experience in various keelboat programs, including Cape 31s and SB20s.
In early 2023, James embraced a new challenge by joining the Athena Pathway Program. This opportunity allowed him to sail the ETF26 foiling Catamaran, a one design easy to fly foiling catamaran yacht that requires a unique skill set. Competing in a series of high-adrenaline events with the APP team trialists, James demonstrated his versatility and adaptability as a sailor.
Head coach of Athena Pathway, Chris Draper, said “James is known for his approachable and positive attitude. He brings a strong work ethic and a collaborative spirit to the team, making him not just a skilled sailor but also a valuable member of the team.”
Currently, James is preparing for the Youth America's Cup in September with the British challenger Athena Pathway. He commented, “Being on a team of this calibre and working towards a goal like the Youth America’s Cup feels like a dream. We’re putting in the work out on the water and I can’t wait to get racing and represent GB in the Youth Americas Cup.”
Great to have you with us Grum!