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Andrew Bridgman is a qualified actuary but has taken a break from the world of finance as he attempts to become a world champion in sailing.
Backed by The International Stock Exchange, Andrew is taking part in this year’s Foilin Waszp World Championships in Sandefjord, Norway.
TISE supported Andrew in 2023 when he competed in the world championships in Melbourne. He sailed under the banner of the Guernsey Yacht Club as part of the Great Britain Team and came 12th out of 90 competitors.
Andrew continues to build on his successes, placing 26th during his previous crack at the championships and 12th in 2023.
During the competition in December the first week opened with two races on the first day, after which Bridgman lay in 15th place. On the second day, thunderstorms failed to clear and put paid to any racing.
“That meant attempting six races on the third day to catch up, which involved four races in my favoured conditions of high winds and big choppy waves,” he said at the time.
“I got a second in one race, but unfortunately, in the other three races, I had a few problems and although I was on course for top three finishes in all those – including leading one by 300m – it didn't quite go my way.”
The two remaining races on day three were in light and gusty conditions and left Andrew in 13th.
The last day provided perfect sunny, sea breeze conditions which led to the tightest racing of the regatta and enabled Andrew to come away with two decent scores and end in 12th.
“I was very pleased with my performance last year,” he said.
“It’s not easy travelling to the other side of the world to compete and there were several occasions when I was very close to pulling off some even better race results, but it was a great experience and a strong performance.
“I think that with the experience of previous years and a few months of good preparation then I should be well placed to compete at the top of the field in Norway.”
TISE continues to support Andrew as he puts the breaks on his work as an actuary and pursues training and competing. This includes a regatta in June which is taking place on Lake Garda in Italy.
“We’re delighted to once again support Andrew in his mission to be world champion. He’s competing right at the very top of his sport and he’s a great ambassador for us all, so we had no hesitation in continuing the partnership,” said the CEO of TISE, Cees Vermaas.
“We wish Andrew the very best for the upcoming regattas, especially the world championships, and look forward to staying in touch with him as the season progresses during the summer.”
“I’m hugely thankful to TISE for their support,” Andrew continued.
“During the off-season I earned some money as a ski instructor in Canada and now I’m back on the water competing in regattas across Europe as the season builds towards the world championships in August.
“It’s not easy to make ends meet financially so it’s fantastic to have this support from TISE which enables me to really give my sailing the focus and dedication that is required to compete at this elite level.”
Pictured top: (L-R) Cees and Andrew with a Waszp hydrofoil sailing boat.
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