Sonar sailing team amongst medals in Miami. 18 Feb 2010

Steve Thomas was part of the British crew that recently returned from Miami as sole British medallists in the Paralympic classes at the ISAF Sailing World Cup.

The second stop of seven in the Sailing World Cup saw sailors from 41 countries at the Miami OCR from 24 to 30 January in the Biscayne Bay.

Skipper John Robertson, Steve Thomas and Hannah Stodel, were delighted to take Silver in the Sonar event.

Thomas said:

“We hoped to be in the medals, but we have not sailed together since October. We were actually disappointed not to win on the last day, as there was only three points in it.

“After the Miami OCR, we were really pleased to take Gold in the Sonar midwinter series that followed. As it’s an open competition for Olympic and Paralympic teams, it was a really good standard. We won on count back, so it was close!

Looking forward, he added:

“The main focus this year is on the IFDS World Championships in July, which we won in 2005 and 2006. It is always close between the same teams from USA, Israel, Germany, France and us. We have three medals from five World Championships, so quite a good track record.

“For me personally, I have been rehabbing since my operation before Christmas, it is all moving forwards now, by July I need to be at my peak for the Worlds.

“Over the next three years, London 2012 is the big prize, medals at the World Championships are important, but I would give anything for Gold at the Paralympics.”