Halifax’s Connor Bainbridge now feels at home at the Olympics after making his debut in the men’s kite. 

On the eighth day of sailing action the 30-year-old made his bow with the first four of 16 races taking place in Marseille. 

Bainbridge has been very solid so far, with two top-four finishes to see him sit fifth, just eight points off gold. 

“I didn’t really know what to expect but in terms of how phenomenal it was as a spectacle it was pretty impressive,” he said. 

“The nerves disappeared as soon as we got on the water. Everyone says the Olympics is just another event but it really is just another sailing event.  

“Day One of any regatta you need to be careful but it’s only a four day regatta for us so it was nice to get out there, blow off some steam and get in the air, business as usual after that.” 

Bainbridge was the last of 14 sailors to be named to Team GB with Britain already earning its first medal through Emma Wilson in the women’s windsurfing as she won bronze. 

Formula Kite is making its Olympic debut at Paris 2024 and Bainbridge’s British teammate Ellie Aldridge won the first-ever women’s race to sit second after the first day. 

Bainbridge began with a fourth-place finish, following that up with an eighth place but the result does not count to his overall score with each sailor’s lowest score not included in their overall total. 

Bainbridge bounced back with a third-place finish before ending the day with seventh place in the fourth race with the competition finally poised. 

He added: “I think I’m usually quite harsh on myself, but I started the Olympics with a solid day, no crashes so let’s hope I continue after this.  

“I think with the forecast as it is, I’d expect things to stay similar. There are ten guys capable of winning races so we’re going to see tight races and any small mistakes you’ll fall back to the end and I think it’s going to be a great watch.” 

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