At Rockley, we love seeing where a life on the water can take you, and few stories show that better than Ellie Aldridge’s. From learning to sail in Poole Harbour to standing on top of the Olympic podium, Ellie’s journey is one of determination, hard work, and finding joy in every wave.

We caught up with Ellie to talk about her early sailing memories, what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated sport, and her advice for the next generation of sailors.

“There wasn’t a big ‘lightbulb’ moment, but around May 2016, I started to see how I could make sailing my full-time career.”

GROWING UP ON THE WATER

“I grew up in Poole, in a very sailing family, so most of my childhood involved cruising around Poole Harbour on various different boats,” Ellie explains.

Her first experience in a dinghy? A small wooden AB boat, and a very memorable capsize.

“I went out with my mum and it was really windy. We capsized as soon as we got out of the marina! It definitely scared me, and it took a few weeks before I got back in the boat.”

Spoiler: she did get back in the boat, and she’s barely been out of one since.

“I’ve always believed that respect is earned, not expected. That’s helped me a lot, especially in bigger teams.”

FINDING A WAY INTO PROFESSIONAL SAILING

Becoming a professional sailor wasn’t something Ellie knew was even possible when she first started.

“I loved sailing when I was at school, but I wasn’t at a level where I could jump into the Olympic development squad. So, I spent a year doing all kinds of sailing, building up skills, and making the most of every opportunity. There wasn’t a big ‘lightbulb’ moment, but around May 2016, I started to see how I could make sailing my full-time career.

BREAKING THROUGH IN A MALE DOMINATED SPORT

“For sure, it was difficult at first. Yacht racing was very male-dominated, and it was hard to see how I could make a career of it,” Ellie says.

“But that’s why I love Olympic sailing, everyone is equal. You’re all chasing the same goal. It doesn’t matter who you are; all that matters is how you perform.”

She’s honest about the challenges, but also optimistic. “I’ve had great opportunities based on results, not gender. I haven’t seen much genuine misogyny in sailing, but I’ve always believed that respect is earned, not expected. That’s helped me a lot, especially in bigger teams.”

THE GOLD MEDAL MOMENT

“I honestly couldn’t believe it. The whole day felt like a mad dream I was going to wake up from,” Ellie says, reflecting on her Olympic win.

“The moment it clicked was when I was reaching in to the finish line with a safe lead. Everything just came together. It still doesn’t feel real sometimes.”

ELLIE'S ADVICE FOR YOUNG SAILORS

If you’re just starting out in sailing, Ellie has three simple rules:

“Work hard. Ask questions. Enjoy it.”

“There are so many types of boats out there: fast boats, slow boats, team boats, solo boats. They all need different skills. Try everything, you’ll definitely find something you love!”

ON ROLE MODELS AND RESILIENCE

Who inspires Ellie?

“Lots of people, but mostly those who push towards their goals no matter what others say. People who aren’t afraid to fail, who step out of their comfort zone and keep going. That’s what inspires me.”


LOOKING AHEAD

With a gold medal under her belt, Ellie is taking some time to explore new waters.

“I’m spending this year looking at other opportunities within sailing and watersports. I’d love to race at LA 2028, but that’s a big journey and lots of things need to align. What I do know is that I still love being outside, being on the water, and helping more people fall in love with watersports - that’s a big part of what motivates me.”

INSPIRED BY ELLIE? START YOUR SAILING JOURNEY WITH US

Ellie’s journey proves that no matter where you start - a breezy afternoon in Poole Harbour or your first RYA course, the water can take you anywhere.

Whether you dream of racing, coaching, or just having fun on the water, Rockley is here to help you take the first step. Explore our courses, holiday camps, and training programmes and find out where sailing could take you.

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