Meet Our Sponsored Sailor - Hugh Andrews

We are thrilled to officially welcome Hugh to the Sailing Chandlery family as one of our newest sponsored sailors. Hugh represents exactly the kind of dedication, technical curiosity, and mental grit that we admire in the sport, making him an ideal addition to our group of sponsored sailors.

As he transitions into the senior fleet and prepares for international challenges like Kieler Woche, we are proud to support his journey as the latest sponsored sailor on Team Sailing Chandlery. Hugh is the type of athlete who proves why we choose to support every sponsored sailor on our roster. He brings a refreshing, honest perspective on what it takes to succeed in the high-pressure environment of competitive ILCA sailing, and we look forward to seeing him push his limits on the water this season. It is an honour to have Hugh join us as a sponsored sailor, and we are excited to share his insights into gear and mindset with the rest of our community.

The journey from a childhood obsession - sparked by family legends and plastic-bag-lined trainers - to the high-stakes world of competitive ILCA sailing is rarely a straight line. For many, it starts with a simple spark: a story told by a grandparent, a first outing on the water, or the sheer adrenaline of controlling a boat against the wind. In the world of competitive ILCA sailing, that initial passion is essential for every sponsored sailor who eventually commits to the rigours of the senior fleet. As we grow, that initial spark must be fanned into a consistent, enduring flame.

One of my inspirations was my Grandad, who was a Captain of Cold War submarines. Hearing his incredible adventures travelling the world at sea inspired me to write some of my own stories. He was definitely one of the catalysts in starting my sailing obsession; he also started sailing very young as part of the Navy. On my dad's side, they sailed on Chichester Harbour when they were younger. Instead of the top-of-the-line wet boots we have now, they went out with just plastic bags in their trainers. Often causing some very soggy returns. In the context of competitive ILCA sailing, those early, humble experiences often build the character found in a top-tier sponsored sailor.

In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't seem monumental, but at the time, it was everything. When I was 10, I got into the Optimist Zone squad. I loved the team jumper so much that I even slept in it the first week I got it. Looking back, those early days were the foundation for my future in competitive ILCA sailing, a path that has ultimately led me to be proud as a sponsored sailor representing the values of Sailing Chandlery.

Sailing is often mischaracterised as a sport of leisure, but those in the competitive ILCA sailing circuit know the truth: it is an extreme endurance sport that demands as much mental fortitude as physical strength. The transition from youth classes to the senior fleet is where the real test begins, especially for a dedicated sponsored sailor looking to make a mark. For any aspiring sponsored sailor, understanding the sheer discipline required for competitive ILCA sailing is the very first step toward long-term success on the water.

I've had so many lows in my sailing career, which is why I have been able to have periods of steep improvement, turning losses into lessons. From my experience, I was only able to do this when my mentality was in the right place. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to reframe adversity into something that serves me. Every sponsored sailor understands that overcoming these mental hurdles is just as important as mastering the mechanics of competitive ILCA sailing, as the sport is ultimately a battle of endurance and resolve.

The upcoming national opens will be great fun and a good way to get back into the swing of the racing season. For me, they're more progress events. A perfect chance to practice what I've been specifically working on in training, with a competitive fleet. Also, it's going to be interesting to see how I'll sail, given that I've been doing more coaching than sailing recently. This is a test of whether coaching is actually better than sailing itself, giving me a deeper understanding of the sport and forcing me to explain some parts I hadn't previously given a second thought to. Only time will tell, but this intellectual approach is a hallmark of an evolving sponsored sailor who is fully committed to the advancement of competitive ILCA sailing.

For the rest of the season, I'm very excited to start racing in the senior fleet as a sponsored sailor. With my first event at Kieler Woche, where the increase in the level, as I've been told, will be humbling. Nevertheless, I'm up for the challenge. Being part of a team as a sponsored sailor provides the support network necessary to excel in the high-stakes environment of competitive ILCA sailing, ensuring I am ready to push my physical and mental limits to the absolute edge as a proud representative of the Sailing Chandlery brand.

In competitive ILCA sailing, your gear is your interface with the boat. When you are pushing your physical limits on the hiking strap for hours, any discomfort becomes a distraction - and distractions lead to poor decision-making on the water. For a sponsored sailor, having reliable equipment is non-negotiable when striving for excellence in competitive ILCA sailing.

Since I got the Zhikgrip II ILCA X Hiking Strap, the previous ankle pain from hiking has completely gone. Which was especially relevant for me as a tall sailor (at 6'3), having lots of tension on the joint. Before getting the Zhikgrip IIs, the pain in my ankle was my limiting factor, often worrying about potential injuries, too. Therefore, I can now hike significantly longer, and my ankle is pain-free. As any sponsored sailor knows, removing physical pain as a variable is a massive boost to performance in competitive ILCA sailing.

I recently got the Zhik superwarm hikers, and I've got no complaints. Comfortable, warm (even in the harsh British winter) and most importantly, the pads are in the right place when you need them. In the past, I haven't always found consistency with the other hikers. Some even moved into the back of my knee, making hiking very uncomfortable, so getting them has been a real upgrade. Finding this level of consistency with apparel is exactly what a sponsored sailor needs to maintain focus during long days of competitive ILCA sailing.

I've had my Zhik hydrofleece top for three years. A very versatile piece of kit, I use it all year round. And I'm sure if I don't have a miracle late growth spurt, I can continue to get the most out of it. It remains a staple in my kit bag, serving as a reminder that the right gear, supported by my journey as a sponsored sailor, is fundamental to mastering the technical demands of competitive ILCA sailing.