Sixth former, James Pearce, is a young man of considerable ambition. Having faced the bitter disappointment that, as a hayfever sufferer, he could not train to be a pilot, his sights are now on a career in professional sailing. James’ ultimate dream is to follow in the wake of top British sailor, Dame Ellen Macarthur by competing in the Vendee Globe, the single-handed, around the world race. 

Although only seventeen, James already has an impressive CV having competed in numerous national competitions. He was part of a team that won the Hamble winter series, an inshore racing event open to amateur and professional UK teams. This followed a victory in the Warsash series, an event based in the Solent. More recently, he was one of the youngest participants on record to compete in the 700 mile Rolex Fastnet Race, finishing in the top third of a field that was over 300 strong. 

Turning professional in any sport is not an easy undertaking but, as James acknowledges, sailing is “the weirdest sport with no direct route to the professional level”. Undeterred by the enormity of the challenge, James has secured an offer of paid work over the summer with the professional yacht company, Global Challenge; a small step towards his goal. 

As his next stepping stone, he will embark on a Mini transat racing campaign, a series of thirty events culminating in a 4,500 mile race from France to Brazil. 

James’ determination, commitment and desire to succeed are very evident and depict something of the special attitude to life of so many Stortfordians, past and present. We wish you the very best, James, in your endeavour.