A businesswoman took to the seas with Olympic champions in a national sailing competition.

Nikki Sitwell, a financial risk assessor of Upper Park Place, Brighton, sailed with double-gold medallists Ben Ainslie and Shirley Robertson during Skandia Cowes Week.

The 30-year-old employee of Risk Financial Services was picked to represent the regatta's sponsors as part of the Skandia Squad. She even met British champion Ellen MacArthur.

Ms Sitwell said: "It was absolutely terrifying on the first morning with all the boats on the Solent. There were just so many boats going in all different directions. I've never seen anything like it."

Five crews of amateur sailors were selected to take part after a national appeal to find people who wanted to race at Cowes Week but did not have the resources or experience.

They were instructed at the competition by professionals, including Skandia skipper Sam Davies.

Ms Sitwell said: "To sail with someone like Sam Davies was amazing. She was so relaxed and talked us through everything she was doing on the boat. That's the one thing that has hit home - just how calm the pros are. Some skippers can be a bit aggressive and shout a lot and you don't know what to do but the pros have been really reassuring and a great help."

The financial worker now plans to join a dinghy club.She said: "I've really caught the sailing bug."

Friday, August 19 2005