Ross Harvey, sponsored by the 24HR GYM and Sun Diet, has just returned from the Laser Radial European Championships at Riccione on the Italian Adriatic Coast. He sailed an excellent regatta and was delighted to finish 6th and top Briton in a high class men’s fleet. This followed a successful spring campaign which has seen him reach the top 10 in the UK rankings.

The Laser Radial is the women’s Olympic single-handed dinghy and although Ross has had some tempting offers to team up as training partner with the top women, he is putting his own ambitions first and is now moving on to the Laser Standard, the men’s Olympic single-hander.

This means continuing the hard work in the gym (and packing in the calories!) to reach the required optimum weight (80kg) whilst retaining aerobic fitness. Ross is still just 20 years old and his goal is the 2012 Olympic Games which will be held in this country with the sailing events taking place at Weymouth.

With no other funding at present (and expensive equipment and travel costs to meet) Ross doesn’t have the luxury of being able to train
full-time and works as a sailing and outdoor activity instructor at South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre. Gym sessions are fitted in on weekday evenings, and every weekend and day off is spent on the water, mostly sailing out of Hayling Island Sailing Club. A few more low key competitions are planned for this summer, before the next round of ‘Qualifiers’ starts in the Autumn, with ranking positions and GBR team places at stake.


If you would like more information about dinghy sailing or can help Ross’ campaign in any way, please contact him via the 24HR GYM.

ROSS HARVEY PROFILE