Paddy Hutchings on his Mini Transat yacht

MDL’s Queen Anne’s Battery marina is supporting up and coming local sailor, Paddy Hutchings, to help him fulfil his Mini Transat and Olympic sailing dreams.

Born and bred in Plymouth, the inspirational 18-year-old sailor will be able to berth his yacht, a Mini 6.5, at QAB for the duration of his Mini Transat campaign, culminating in 2021 when he will participate in the epic 4000+ mile race.

“Paddy has been sailing from QAB with his family for a long time. When we heard about his plans to race offshore in the Mini Transat and also campaign for the Olympics, we wanted to do something to support his efforts,” says Chris Price, Manager at QAB. “Being only minutes from Plymouth Sound, the marina is ideally situated to give Paddy easy access to open water for training.”

Queen Anne’s Battery is in the centre of Plymouth and offers excellent boatyard facilities for repairs and maintenance work and a fully stocked chandlery; essential services for a campaigning yachtsman.

Paddy’s backing from QAB hugely assists with his campaign. “Without the support from MDL I wouldn’t have been able to bring the boat back to the Plymouth,” says Paddy. “I am really excited to be campaigning from here. I have been sailing from QAB all my life, so it is great to have the marina involved and be so close to home.”

Paddy learnt to sail when he was ten years old. He developed a passion for the sport and went on to represent Great Britain in dinghy sailing classes at National, European and World level, winning several titles.

Having always been drawn to offshore sailing his focus changed and following the Mini Transat he has ambitions to compete in the double handed offshore racing announced for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to MDL and everyone at QAB,” continues Paddy. “Without their support it would be unrealistic for me to compete in the Mini Transat in 2021.”

To find out more about Paddy’s sailing endeavours visit https://www.phracing.co.uk or for more information on MDL’s Queen Anne’s Battery visit www.queenannesbattery.co.uk

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