Philip Crebbin bids for Soling Olympic Slot

by Sue Warden-Owen 16 Mar 2000 15:09 GMT

CAMPAIGNING FOR A WIN AT THE CHERNIKEEFF OLYMPIC TRIALS

Former Olympic Sailor Philip Crebbin Bids To Represent Britain

Former Olympic Sailor, Philip Crebbin (48), co-founder and director of Race 1, a Solent-based grand prix race charter company, is campaigning in the Soling Class at the Chernikeeff British Olympic Trials in Weymouth next month.

The Soling Class selection will be based on the outcome of a four-day match-racing regatta starting Good Friday, 21st April and culminating on Easter Monday, 24th April held during the Olympic Trials taking place in Weymouth Bay and adjoining Portland Harbour.

Philip is no stranger to the Olympics; in 1976 he was 470 Skipper for Britain at the Canadian Montreal Games with an overall result of sixth and was favourite to represent Britain in the Soling at the 1980 Games but unfortunately was not allowed to compete due to a British sailing boycott of the Russian Games.

As well as Philip Crebbin, the campaigning team consists of John Tremlett (of Relling Sails) from Southsea, Portsmouth who is middle man and Charlie Pitcher from Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex on the bow. Training has been out of Hamble in George Barker's boat, a 1991 Borresen (sail number GBR 147) with backing provided by David Sherriff of Thames & Kennet Marina, himself a former Soling sailor.

Commenting on his Soling campaign, Philip Crebbin says, "I hope my past Olympic experience will enable us to be a force to be reckoned with at the Trials. I feel there is some unfinished business here. Favourite to represent Britain in the 1980 Olympic Games in Tallinn, Moscow, Russia and then for political reasons not being allowed to compete was obviously very disappointing. I will most certainly be giving it my best shot in Weymouth next month."

Philip's illustrious sailing career began at an early age when he founded the St. Paul's School, London sailing club by winning its first boat at the Public Schools Firefly Championships.

He has since won seven World Championships, competed in the America's Cup both as a skipper and as technical director and in several Admiral's Cups - twice being on the winning team. In 1995, Philip was a Soling sailor for the Canadian International team. As middle man for Peter Hall, they came 2nd at the CORK regatta (Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston), beating all other Canadians.

An experienced marine business executive and general business consultant, Philip is co-founder and director of racing yacht charter company Race 1. His responsibilities at Race 1 include technical and coaching director and as part of a Race Training programme he has developed a specialised training and support programme to improve crew work, boat speed and racing skills.

Philip is an RYA National Racing Coach. He has a Masters degree in Computer Science from Cambridge University. A national of Britain and Canada, Philip lives in Athorne, near Burnham-On-Crouch with his wife. As well as sailing, he also enjoys cricket, squash and fishing and is a member of The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), The Royal Burnham Yacht Club and the Oxford and Cambridge Sailing Society.