Sailor Spotlight: Jennifer Bryce

If you've spent any time around the GP14 fleet in Northern Ireland, you'll probably have seen Jennifer Bryce in action — confidently handling her GP14 Boatzart in all sorts of weather, or helping out on the committee boat running starts for club races at Newtownards Sailing Club (NSC).

Jennifer is one of the club's most dedicated and fast-improving sailors. Over recent seasons, she's put a huge amount of time into developing her skills in race starts, boat control in heavy weather, and mark roundings — all the little details that make the difference between surviving a race and really competing in it.

Teaching and Mentoring

What's particularly impressive is that Jennifer has also started teaching these skills to other GP14 sailors, helping newer members of the fleet improve their starts, handling, and confidence on the water. Her patient, hands-on coaching style and clear explanations have made her a valued mentor within the club.

Jennifer's strong sense of boat balance and teamwork have earned her praise from coaches and sailors alike, and her willingness to pass on her knowledge has helped raise the overall standard of racing across the GP14 fleet at Newtownards.

Competitive Record

Her competitive record includes appearances at two World Championships, British Nationals, and key Irish events such as the Ulster Championships, the O'Tiarnaigh Challenge, and the GP14 Nationals — consistently finishing well and representing her club with pride and enthusiasm.

Chief Instructor and RYA Qualifications

Beyond competing, Jennifer is now the Chief Instructor at Newtownards Sailing Club and holds an impressive list of RYA qualifications. She has also worked throughout the summer as a Senior Instructor at several local clubs, sharing her passion for sailing and helping others build skills both on and off the water.

Jennifer's involvement extends beyond instruction — she's a strong supporter of women's sailing through RYA programmes such as Women on Water, and continues to be a role model for inclusivity and leadership in the sport.

Whether she's coaching a new sailor through their first tack, trimming for speed in Boatzart, or running the line as Race Officer, Jennifer Bryce is a shining example of what dedication, teamwork, and love for sailing can achieve.