Lewis Bacon’s Journey to Sailing Greatness
At just 17, Lewis Bacon is already making a name for himself in competitive sailing. With a love for the sport that started when he was a child and big ambitions for the future, Lewis is preparing to represent Great Britain at the European Youth Championships in April 2025. His journey so far has been all about hard work, determination and a genuine passion for being out on the water.
Lewis’s love for sailing began with family trips to the Lake District. His dad would take him out on a Wayfarer dinghy on Derwentwater, and straight away, Lewis was hooked. “I remember just loving the feeling of being on the water and not wanting to go back, even when it was getting dark,” he says. That experience sparked a passion that led him to join junior sailing at the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre.
Lewis’s competitive drive pushed him to master the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) stages, but it was racing that really captured his attention. “Being able to mix my love for sailing with my competitive side was a game-changer,” he shares. This passion led him to regional squads and eventually into the national and international sailing scene.
Of course, sailing comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to costs. Training, travel and equipment can all add up. However, Lewis’s determination didn’t go unnoticed, and he was awarded the Andrew Simpson Centre PASS Scholarship. This Performance Academy Sailing Scholarship eased some of the financial burden and opened up incredible opportunities, such as allowing him to compete in his first ILCA World Championships. “The PASS scholarship was a major step forward” Lewis explains. “It gave me the chance to compete internationally and access coaching I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.”
Balancing school, personal life and competitive sailing, especially at a young age - isn’t easy. "I try to get my assignments done as soon as they’re given because my weekends are usually spent on the water," he says. Even with all the sacrifices, Lewis stays positive by going to the gym and making time for friends when he can.
As Lewis works towards the Olympic pathway, he remains grounded in his love for the sport. “The best advice I’ve ever received is to keep enjoying sailing,” he says. That mindset, along with his dedication, drives his goal to qualify for the gold fleet at the European Youth Championships, a milestone that would place him among Europe’s best.
Looking ahead, Lewis sees himself competing at the highest senior level in the next five years, constantly pushing himself and inspiring others along the way.
“Lastly, as mentioned before, sailing has many barriers to competition, the main one being its cost. As of right now,
I am not able to train, travel and compete as much as other, better-advantaged sailors. Although this has never stopped me from improving, it does stop me from reaching my absolute best. Therefore, I am in need of support and sponsorship. I have a growing audience on Instagram, through which I can advertise and promote any products. Any sponsorship would allow me to reach my dreams, all whilst benefiting them at the same time,” Lewis shares.
You can check out Lewis' Instagram here: @lewis_sailing
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