Our Ambassadors
We're proud to partner with a community of passionate sailors from around the world. Built on the foundation of the Gill Race Team, Team Gill has grown to represent the full breadth of the sport – from seasoned veterans who have conquered legendary races like the Vendée Globe and explored the far corners of the globe, to adventurers, explorers and the next generation of rising stars. Different disciplines, shared values: a love of the sea, a drive to push boundaries, and a commitment to inspiring others.
Yachting
Sailing Yacht Florence - Matt & Amy
Class: Cruising Yacht
Territory: UK
Matt & Amy had always dreamed of sailing the world. Initially, they planned to save up and set off in ten years. However, a sudden job loss accelerated their plans – and after careful consideration, they sold their belongings and committed to the adventure. Within ten months they had found their boat, Florence, a 37ft monohull.
Since setting off in 2016, Matt & Amy have completed a full global circumnavigation, sailed the British Isles, crossed the Atlantic four times and ventured as far north as Svalbard in the Arctic. Over 60,000 ocean miles and counting.
Territory: UK
Matt & Amy had always dreamed of sailing the world. Initially, they planned to save up and set off in ten years. However, a sudden job loss accelerated their plans – and after careful consideration, they sold their belongings and committed to the adventure. Within ten months they had found their boat, Florence, a 37ft monohull.
Since setting off in 2016, Matt & Amy have completed a full global circumnavigation, sailed the British Isles, crossed the Atlantic four times and ventured as far north as Svalbard in the Arctic. Over 60,000 ocean miles and counting.
Conrad Colman
Class: Racing Yacht
Territory: New Zealand
Conrad Colman, a dual New Zealand-American sailor, has made a significant mark in the world of offshore racing. Raised on a sailboat in the Pacific, he pursued his passion by moving to Lorient, France in 2009. Since then, he has successfully completed three circumnavigations, including a groundbreaking achievement: becoming the first skipper to finish the Vendée Globe without relying on fossil fuels. His journey has been marked by notable victories like the Class 40 double-handed Global Ocean Race and a determined spirit to push the boundaries of sustainable sailing.
Territory: New Zealand
Conrad Colman, a dual New Zealand-American sailor, has made a significant mark in the world of offshore racing. Raised on a sailboat in the Pacific, he pursued his passion by moving to Lorient, France in 2009. Since then, he has successfully completed three circumnavigations, including a groundbreaking achievement: becoming the first skipper to finish the Vendée Globe without relying on fossil fuels. His journey has been marked by notable victories like the Class 40 double-handed Global Ocean Race and a determined spirit to push the boundaries of sustainable sailing.
Project World Sail - JP & Charlotte
Class: Cruising Yacht
Territory: UK
JP and Charlotte, seasoned sailors and surfers, have always been drawn to the sea. After years of working on yachts and sailing professionally, they realised their dream of owning their own boat. With hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, they found a beautiful Fast 500 in Newport, RI. They named her Jacqeau and spent countless hours renovating her, learning valuable skills along the way. Now, they’re exploring all corners of the world from crossing the Atlantic to exploring the French Polynesia.
Territory: UK
JP and Charlotte, seasoned sailors and surfers, have always been drawn to the sea. After years of working on yachts and sailing professionally, they realised their dream of owning their own boat. With hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, they found a beautiful Fast 500 in Newport, RI. They named her Jacqeau and spent countless hours renovating her, learning valuable skills along the way. Now, they’re exploring all corners of the world from crossing the Atlantic to exploring the French Polynesia.
Aina Bauza & Axelle Pillain
Class: Monohull
Territory: Spain & France
Aina Bauza grew up sailing around her home island of Mallorca, going on to compete across Mini 6.5, Figaro 3, Class 40 and Olympic Laser Radial – with a solo transatlantic record to her name. Axelle Pillain, originally from the Brest region, came to offshore racing via a career in gymnastics and a background engineering IMOCA boats for the Vendée Globe. The pair have since become a formidable partnership on the water, most recently completing the 2025 Transat Café de l'Or together through the Cap pour Elles scholarship – a programme dedicated to supporting women in offshore sailing.
Territory: Spain & France
Aina Bauza grew up sailing around her home island of Mallorca, going on to compete across Mini 6.5, Figaro 3, Class 40 and Olympic Laser Radial – with a solo transatlantic record to her name. Axelle Pillain, originally from the Brest region, came to offshore racing via a career in gymnastics and a background engineering IMOCA boats for the Vendée Globe. The pair have since become a formidable partnership on the water, most recently completing the 2025 Transat Café de l'Or together through the Cap pour Elles scholarship – a programme dedicated to supporting women in offshore sailing.
Sailing Saltmates
Class: Cruising Yacht
Territory: Germany
The Saltmates are a German family of four who decided that life was better lived on the water – swapping life on land for a 25-year-old catamaran, a refit in Sardinia and the open Mediterranean ahead of them. A family growing together on the water, one adventure at a time.
Territory: Germany
The Saltmates are a German family of four who decided that life was better lived on the water – swapping life on land for a 25-year-old catamaran, a refit in Sardinia and the open Mediterranean ahead of them. A family growing together on the water, one adventure at a time.
Luca Wittig
Class: Cruising Yacht
Territory: Germany
Luca Wittig has been drawn to the water since he was twelve years old, when a family sailing trip in the Baltic Sea left a lasting impression. What began as a childhood passion has since grown into a life built around the sea – exploring coastlines and open waters across Germany and beyond.
Territory: Germany
Luca Wittig has been drawn to the water since he was twelve years old, when a family sailing trip in the Baltic Sea left a lasting impression. What began as a childhood passion has since grown into a life built around the sea – exploring coastlines and open waters across Germany and beyond.
Dinghy
Marie Barrue
Class: ILCA6
Territory: France
Marie Barrue, a French laser sailor, has carved a name for herself in the ILCA 6 class. Starting out in an optimist at age 8, Marie’s best rank was 7th in the world in an ILCA6, she has also clinched a silver medal at continental level. Her passion for sailing and unwavering dedication to improvement are truly inspiring, making her a role model for young sailors everywhere.
Territory: France
Marie Barrue, a French laser sailor, has carved a name for herself in the ILCA 6 class. Starting out in an optimist at age 8, Marie’s best rank was 7th in the world in an ILCA6, she has also clinched a silver medal at continental level. Her passion for sailing and unwavering dedication to improvement are truly inspiring, making her a role model for young sailors everywhere.
Federico Bergamasco
Class: Waszp
Territory: Italy
Federico Bergamasco, a talented young sailor born in Genoa in 2005, is rapidly making a name for himself in the sailing world. Specialising in foiling one-design racing, he has consistently achieved impressive results – including claiming both the Italian and WASZP World Championship titles, alongside top positions at the European Championship and various international regattas – before setting his sights on his next challenge in the Switch class.
Territory: Italy
Federico Bergamasco, a talented young sailor born in Genoa in 2005, is rapidly making a name for himself in the sailing world. Specialising in foiling one-design racing, he has consistently achieved impressive results – including claiming both the Italian and WASZP World Championship titles, alongside top positions at the European Championship and various international regattas – before setting his sights on his next challenge in the Switch class.
Sarah Jannin & Iban Cornic
Class: 470
Territory: France
Sarah Jannin and Iban Cornic, both hailing from the Côtes-d’Armor region of France, are accomplished young sailors with impressive records.
Sarah, 16, began sailing at age 8 and is a 29er World Vice-Champion. Iban, also sailing since 8, is a French Champion in the 420 class. They now sail together in the 470 class and have aspirations to represent their country at the Olympic Games.
Territory: France
Sarah Jannin and Iban Cornic, both hailing from the Côtes-d’Armor region of France, are accomplished young sailors with impressive records.
Sarah, 16, began sailing at age 8 and is a 29er World Vice-Champion. Iban, also sailing since 8, is a French Champion in the 420 class. They now sail together in the 470 class and have aspirations to represent their country at the Olympic Games.
Helena Mills Bowers
Class: Waszp
Territory: UK
Helena Mills Bowers is a rising star in the foiling world, currently making waves as the WASZP Welsh Ladies National Champion and a dedicated student with the Athena Pathway programme. As a member of the national squad, Helena is proving that women can compete at the highest level of sailing. Beyond her impressive achievements on the water, she is also a passionate advocate for making foiling more accessible and inclusive for all.
Territory: UK
Helena Mills Bowers is a rising star in the foiling world, currently making waves as the WASZP Welsh Ladies National Champion and a dedicated student with the Athena Pathway programme. As a member of the national squad, Helena is proving that women can compete at the highest level of sailing. Beyond her impressive achievements on the water, she is also a passionate advocate for making foiling more accessible and inclusive for all.
Sabine Potter & Merle Nieuwland
Class: 420/470
Territory: UK
Rising stars Sabine & Merle sailed in the 420 class together from a young age. For the past few years, they’ve climbed the ranks and picked up podiums, culminating with a triumphant win in Vilamoura at the 2025 Youth Worlds where they were crowned the 420f Youth Champions, and later earning the YJA Young Sailors of the Year 2025 award. With a relentless drive and competitive edge, they’re looking to carry on this success in the 470 class.
Territory: UK
Rising stars Sabine & Merle sailed in the 420 class together from a young age. For the past few years, they’ve climbed the ranks and picked up podiums, culminating with a triumphant win in Vilamoura at the 2025 Youth Worlds where they were crowned the 420f Youth Champions, and later earning the YJA Young Sailors of the Year 2025 award. With a relentless drive and competitive edge, they’re looking to carry on this success in the 470 class.
Charlie Holland
Class: Optimist
Territory: UK
This talented young sailor has consistently excelled in the Optimist class, securing top positions in prestigious events like the Optimist Easter Regatta in the Netherlands, the Optimist European Championships in Italy, and the British and Irish National Championships. His dedication and skill have made him a standout in the sailing community. Leading to a well-deserved nomination for the Young Sailor of the Year Award at the 2024 British Yachting Awards.
Territory: UK
This talented young sailor has consistently excelled in the Optimist class, securing top positions in prestigious events like the Optimist Easter Regatta in the Netherlands, the Optimist European Championships in Italy, and the British and Irish National Championships. His dedication and skill have made him a standout in the sailing community. Leading to a well-deserved nomination for the Young Sailor of the Year Award at the 2024 British Yachting Awards.
Race Teams / Organisations
Rotterdam Offshore Sailing Team
Class: Ker 46
Territory: Netherlands
The Rotterdam Offshore Sailing Team (ROST) is a unique initiative aimed at nurturing young sailing talent in the Rotterdam region. Founded in 2017, ROST provides a platform for aspiring sailors aged 17 to 30 to gain experience in offshore sailing and compete at prestigious events like the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The current team, ROST II, is comprised of a talented group of young sailors who are eager to make their mark on the international sailing scene. Under the guidance of experienced sailor Gerd-Jan Poortman, a three-time Volvo Ocean Race participant, the team is well-positioned to achieve its goals and continue the legacy of ROST.
Territory: Netherlands
The Rotterdam Offshore Sailing Team (ROST) is a unique initiative aimed at nurturing young sailing talent in the Rotterdam region. Founded in 2017, ROST provides a platform for aspiring sailors aged 17 to 30 to gain experience in offshore sailing and compete at prestigious events like the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The current team, ROST II, is comprised of a talented group of young sailors who are eager to make their mark on the international sailing scene. Under the guidance of experienced sailor Gerd-Jan Poortman, a three-time Volvo Ocean Race participant, the team is well-positioned to achieve its goals and continue the legacy of ROST.
Hydra
Class: DK46
Territory: Spain
Hydra, a legendary yacht, has dominated the Copa del Rey, clinching the title an impressive five times. This high-performance vessel has consistently proven its superiority on the water. Led by shipowner Óscar Chaves and helmsman José María Ponce, and boasting the expertise of Olympic champions like Kiko Sán, the Hydra team has set a high standard of excellence in the world of sailing.
Territory: Spain
Hydra, a legendary yacht, has dominated the Copa del Rey, clinching the title an impressive five times. This high-performance vessel has consistently proven its superiority on the water. Led by shipowner Óscar Chaves and helmsman José María Ponce, and boasting the expertise of Olympic champions like Kiko Sán, the Hydra team has set a high standard of excellence in the world of sailing.
Sail Newport
Class: Organisation
Territory: USA
Sail Newport, a non-profit organization, is a premier sailing center in Rhode Island. Located at the historic Fort Adams State Park, it offers a wide range of sailing activities for both beginners and experienced sailors. From award-winning instructional programs and boat rentals to a state-of-the-art one-design sailing facility, Sail Newport caters to sailors of all ages and skill levels. The Dr. Robin Wallace Youth Sailing Center, a key part of Sail Newport, provides opportunities for young sailors to learn and grow in the sport. With its commitment to affordability and accessibility, Sail Newport aims to inspire and engage the community in the joy of sailing.
Territory: USA
Sail Newport, a non-profit organization, is a premier sailing center in Rhode Island. Located at the historic Fort Adams State Park, it offers a wide range of sailing activities for both beginners and experienced sailors. From award-winning instructional programs and boat rentals to a state-of-the-art one-design sailing facility, Sail Newport caters to sailors of all ages and skill levels. The Dr. Robin Wallace Youth Sailing Center, a key part of Sail Newport, provides opportunities for young sailors to learn and grow in the sport. With its commitment to affordability and accessibility, Sail Newport aims to inspire and engage the community in the joy of sailing.
British 420 Class
Territory: UK
The British 420 Class Association provides accessible training and racing for young sailors right across the UK. One of the sport's most established development pathways, the 420 has long been the boat where aspiring sailors find their feet – learning to compete, to push themselves and to fall in love with racing.
Through the class, we support 4 teams of sailors each year and this year’s cohort includes: Arthur Greaves & Nia Mecklenburgh, Freddie Jones & Rupert Garlick, Edie Carter & Noah Sauven, and Edie Rogers & Issy
The British 420 Class Association provides accessible training and racing for young sailors right across the UK. One of the sport's most established development pathways, the 420 has long been the boat where aspiring sailors find their feet – learning to compete, to push themselves and to fall in love with racing.
Through the class, we support 4 teams of sailors each year and this year’s cohort includes: Arthur Greaves & Nia Mecklenburgh, Freddie Jones & Rupert Garlick, Edie Carter & Noah Sauven, and Edie Rogers & Issy
Team Vigilant
Class: IC37
Territory: USA
Team Vigilant is a Newport-based IC37 team with ambition at its core. Competing out of the Northeast, the team sails with an all-women crew of ten – defined by skill, determination and a serious eye on the podium.
Territory: USA
Team Vigilant is a Newport-based IC37 team with ambition at its core. Competing out of the Northeast, the team sails with an all-women crew of ten – defined by skill, determination and a serious eye on the podium.
