Name: Lorenzo Chiavarini
Sport: Laser Sailing
Representative club: British Sailing Team
Top goals: To represent GBR Internationally as a professional sailor and gain a degree in Navigation and Marine Science at Plymouth University
Role model: Vincenzo Nibali (cyclist) for his incredible strength and enjoyment of his sport
Most exciting experience: Sailing in shark-infested waters in Oman
For Lorenzo winning his first Gold medal at the European U19’s and the British Men’s Championships during his first few years at university was a sign that his lifelong commitment to sailing was worth every effort.
Now a member of the Team GB Olympic Development Squad and supported by the Plymouth University Sporting Excellence Scholarship Programme, Lorenzo has the motivation and support network to help him compete at the highest possible level in sailing.
“My ultimate goal in sailing is to continue to represent Team GBR internationally in World and European Championships in the run up to the future Olympic Games.”
Discovering his passion in sailing at just seven years old, Lorenzo has spent much of his life on the water at his suitably located home - Loch Crinan in Scotland. With such a certain bearing in life from the age of seven, it’s hardly surprising that Lorenzo also had his academic ambitions set out.
“I chose the Navigation and Maritime Science course (then name Ocean Yachting) at Plymouth when I was 15 years old as the course content would help me in my sailing theory and provide me with a good level of education. The opportunity to study for a degree in a location known for its maritime history where I can sail and where my talents are recognised made Plymouth the ultimate choice for me.”
Currently balancing a busy calendar of sailing competitions and training camps all over the world, plus many hours a week of study Lorenzo admits it can be quite a challenge to meet and honour both commitments – however holding titles including the under 21 World and European Champion, and achieving strong results academically, Lorenzo proves that it can be done.
Laser Europa Cup, 30 May – 1 June
A tough year of injury and University deadlines didn’t deter Lorenzo as he battled it out at Great Britain’s three-day Laser Europa Cup at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in early June 2014.
Leading the event from the outset Lorenzo sailed through the eight race series finishing top of the leader board.
Read more about Lorenzo's performance.
Next up for the U 21 World and European Laser Champion are: the Laser Men's Europeans in Croatia, followed by an extra Europa Cup in Kiel on the German coast and the World's in France, where Lorenzo will find himself up against international sailors.
Inspired by his love of the sea, find out why world and European Laser Sailor Champion Lorenzo chose Plymouth to study his BSc (Hons) in Navigation and Marine Science.Find out more about Lorenzo Chiavarini
The stars of the future are being offered the opportunity to achieve their sporting and academic goals thanks to the Sporting Excellence Scholarship at University of Plymouth.Learn more about Sporting Excellence Scholarships