Tiffany Brien and Saskia Tidey are currently battling for a spot on the Irish 49erfx slot for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The 49er FX is a double handed women's skiff which has recently been selected as a new class to compete at the Olympic Games.
Name: Tiffany Brien
Height: 5'8"
DOB: 10th August 1990
Home Location: Holywood, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Position on boat: Helm
Club: Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
Olympic Experience:
Previously campaigned for 2012 in a Laser Radial
General Outline of Sailing Career to Date:
Started sailing aged 7, began racing aged 14 in an Optimist and represented Ireland aged 15. I moved into the Laser 4.7 aged 16 followed by the Radial aged 17, I was ranked number 1 in Ireland in the Laser Radial in 2010 and 2011. I also race RS Elites, and finished 2nd at the British Championships last year the day after coming home from Miss World.
First Sailing Experience:
Crewing in a Mirror dinghy at the World Championships. I was allowed to lie in then delivered to the boat on the slip because I was so young and useless, I couldn't do my own hair in a ponytail either. But we seemed to do ok and finished as Girl World Champions.
Hobbies/Other Sports:
I've been playing club netball for 11 years and captain my team in NI Premier League at the moment. Apart from that I have dabbled in most sports and give anything a go. But end up spending most of my time training in the gym.
Favourite Food:
Coco Pops, Granola, Jelly Snakes
What is Your Life Long Ambition:
To win an Olympic Medal
Name: Saskia Tidey
Height: 6'1"
DOB: 11th June 1993
Home Location: Dun Laoghaire, Co.Dublin, Ireland
Position on boat: Crew
Club: The Royal Irish Yacht Club
Olympic Experience:
First time Olympic Campaigner
General Outline of Sailing Career to Date:
Started Sailing at the age of 11. Represented Ireland for 5 years in the Laser Radial and 470 class. Sailed a season on board an all female 18ft skiff crew which competed in the 2013 18ft Skiff World Championship, Sydney, Australia.
First Sailing Experience:
Being terrified of capsizing in Dublin bay because of the seals!
Hobbies/Other Sports:
I like any sport. Skiing, netball, tennis, any form of sailing, and in my spare time going to the gym.
Favourite Food:
Cereal, manuka honey
What is Your Life Long Ambition:
To win a Olympic Medal