Falmouth’s Sandra Sly sails to world title after 23 years away

Twenty-three years is a long time to be away from anything. For Sandra Sly, it turned out to be no barrier at all. The Falmouth Hospital worker has just been crowned a sailing world champion, picking up where she left off more than two decades ago as if the break had never happened.

Back on the water in Carnac

Sandra Sly works as a business support supervisor at Falmouth Hospital, part of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Away from the day job, she is a keen sailor, and this summer she and her husband Stuart returned to the sport in the biggest way possible.

After 23 years out of competitive sailing, the couple entered the 2026 Dart 18 World Championships in France. The 25th edition of the championship ran from 4 to 10 July in Carnac, a venue known for its sea breezes and demanding tidal conditions. It drew some of the world’s top crews to Carnac Bay for a week of racing.

A win against 140 boats

The fleet was strong and international, with 140 boats on the water. Across six races, Sandra and Stuart put together the kind of consistency that wins championships. After a tightly contested series, their results were enough to take the overall title and the world championship crown.

The gap in their sailing careers makes the result stand out even more. This was a return to international competition after more than two decades away, and they came back as world champions.

Sandra said: “We are delighted. It was a very tense week with light and tricky conditions. We stayed focused, had consistent results in the top 10 and a bit of luck too. We did well 25 to 30 years ago so it’s good to know that we’ve still got it!”

Everyone at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has passed on their congratulations to the couple on becoming world champions.