Freya Black: "You Absolutely Belong Here"

At Rockley, we know the impact a single experience on the water can have. Whether it’s that first breeze in your sail or the first time you feel fully in control of your boat, it’s a feeling that stays with you. For some, like Freya Black, that moment turns into something much bigger — a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and the pursuit of Olympic dreams.

As a proud supporter of young people in sailing, Rockley is committed to breaking down barriers and opening up access to our sport. We also work closely with the RYA, whose dedication to inclusion and opportunity continues to shape the next generation of sailors — from grassroots to Team GB.

Freya’s story stood out to us not just because of what she’s achieved, but because of how she got there — with honesty, grit, and the kind of fearless ambition that reflects what we stand for. So, we caught up with her to hear about where it all began, the highs and lows of her journey, and what advice she has for the young sailors coming up behind her.

You might think a Team GB sailor grew up with a natural love for the sport, but for Freya, it was quite the opposite.

“I absolutely hated sailing at first,” she laughs. “I was terrified — crying on the slipway, refusing to go out. But eventually I got over my fears and fell in love with it. Once I began racing, my competitive side kicked in — and I was hooked.”

Freya’s sailing journey began at the age of eight, inspired by her older sister who first tried it on a family holiday. Her sister enjoyed it so much she started competing, and it didn’t take long before sailing became a bit of a family affair.

“It got passed down the sisters and I followed in their footsteps,” Freya explains. “My parents had never sailed before, but they learned as much as they could to support us.”

As Freya grew in skill and confidence, so too did her ambition. By the time she was 15, the dream of going professional wasn’t just a vague idea — it was a clear goal.

“I always took it seriously,” she says. “I missed out on a lot — parties, time with friends, school stuff — but it didn’t feel like a sacrifice. I knew I wanted to go all the way.”

That sense of purpose now fuels her journey towards the FX World Championships in Cagliari this October — a major stepping stone on her route to the LA 2028 Olympics, where she’s aiming for a spot on the podium.

Freya is open about the realities of competing in a sport that, historically, hasn’t always made space for women.

“I’ve felt like I had to prove myself ten times harder to be taken seriously,” she says. “Some of the comments and conversations I’ve experienced have been really disheartening.”

Still, change is happening — and Freya is proud to be part of it.

“The 50/50 gender split in sailing at the Paris 2024 Games was a huge step. It shows the sport is evolving. But there’s still work to do. We need to keep calling things out, keep pushing for better representation and respect.”

At Rockley, we see that too — and it’s why we believe in raising up role models like Freya, who are making change not just by competing, but by speaking out.

When asked who inspires her most, Freya doesn’t hesitate.

“All the girls I train and compete with — they inspire me every day,” she says. “We’ve started having these honest, powerful conversations about what it means to be a woman in sport. It’s not easy, but the change we’re creating is incredible.”

That shared strength — and sense of community — is something we foster at Rockley through our programmes, female instructors, and inclusive outdoor environments. Because inspiration often begins with seeing someone who looks like you doing something you never thought you could.

Freya’s message for young girls entering the sport is clear and full of conviction:

“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t achieve. You absolutely belong here. You have every right to love sailing, to take up space, to chase your goals — unapologetically.”

These words carry weight — not just because of what Freya’s achieved, but because of how far she’s come to believe them. And it’s exactly the kind of message we want to echo at every Rockley centre, whether it’s a young person’s first time in a dinghy or their first step towards a professional career.

Freya’s Favourites

• Favourite place to sail: Lake Garda
• Pre-race breakfast: “Granola and yogurt.”
• Essential sailing snack: “Always some sweeties!”