ANDREA Brewster, a former Frensham Sailing Club Cadet sailor, bids for Olympic glory this Friday (Aug 12) when the women’s skiff 49erFX competition gets underway on the Aeroporto course at Rio.

It’s a new event for the Olympics and Brewster and crewmate Saskia Tidey will be sailing for Ireland in this very physical and exciting class.

Andrea began sailing at Frensham as a ten-year-old when growing up in Headley Down. She raced radials for GBR for several years before switching allegiance to Ireland through a family qualification and committing to the skiff.

The pair qualified for Rio thanks to Ireland getting a wild card entry in the 49erFX class, following the withdrawal of an Algerian entry. They will be Ireland’s first ever women’s Olympic skiff crew.