FORMER Frensham Cadet sailor Andrea Brewster has qualified for the Rio Olympics.

She and crewmate Saskia Tidey will be sailing for Ireland in the very physical 49nerFX class.

It’s been a long ride to Olympic inclusion for Andrea, who 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.

Saskia Tidey is in her first Olympic campaign, but has already made her name as a member of ‘Skiff Chicks Racing’ in the Aussie 18 circuit.

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

Andrea Brewster started crewing in a Cadet on the Great Pond and then progressed to helming one. While still a junior, she sailed a Laser Radial and was selected for the national youth squad. Her coaches encouraged her to try out Olympic sailing in the women’s single-handed class and she started campaigning in 2002.

In 2013, Andrea made the switch to a 49erFX and also decided to fly the flag for Ireland.