Audrey Foley, a talented academic and sailing scholar at the Royal Hospital School (RHS), has been offered early acceptance by Yale University to join their esteemed sailing team, the Yale Bulldogs.

Audrey, a full international boarder in Year 13 from the United States, will commence her studies in economics & mathematics in September, becoming the school's first pupil to study at Yale University.

Originally from Stuart in Florida, Audrey has excelled both academically and in the world of sailing and will be competing in the US Olympic Trails in Miami from 17-24 February.

Her most recent sailing accolades include claiming first female team and skipper at the 2024 Jr Snipe World Championship, top female spot at ILCA US Nationals for the second year and winner of the single-handed U.S. Junior Woman's Championship for the coveted Leiter Trophy.

In the winter addition of Sailing World magazine, Audrey is highlighted as a 2024 Jobson's All-Star Junior - the present and rising stars of sailing in America. 

Audrey in action (Picture: RHS)

Currently studying A Levels in mathematics, economics, and business at RHS, Audrey has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to her education and sport.

Her outstanding achievements have earned her a place at Yale University, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States, founded in 1701. Yale is part of the elite US group of Ivy League schools, with Yale rated among one of the world's most acclaimed and competitive universities.

As a member of the Yale Bulldogs, Audrey will be part of one of the top university sailing teams in the USA. She will dedicate her time to rigorous training, competing in regattas across New England, and honing her skills at The McNay Family Sailing Centre. The Centre is home to the Yale Corinthian Yacht Club (YCYC), which holds a rich history as the oldest collegiate sailing club in the world, established in 1881.

Audrey is thrilled to embark on this new chapter of her academic and athletic journey at Yale University; her passion for economics and sailing, combined with the exceptional opportunities provided by Yale and the Yale Bulldogs, will undoubtedly pave the way for a successful future. 

Audrey said:"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and I am really excited for what the future may hold. Yale has always been one of my top choices for university because of its esteemed academics and its renowned sailing program.

"I'm also grateful to RHS; the specialisation of subjects is what drew me to study in England. RHS's unique naval background and the emphasis on sailing made RHS the clear choice for me. RHS has created a home away from home. It has given me opportunities to grow as a person, leader, student and as an athlete.  

"I am excited to compete with some of the best sailors in the nation. Becoming an All-American sailor in college, which is the recognition of excellence in academics and sailing, would be amazing."

Understandably, Audrey's parents are extremely proud of their daughter's achievements and added: "When Audrey first came to us two years ago with the idea of attending RHS we were not sure what to make of it. Two years later we are thrilled she made the choice!  The education was very thorough with a depth of material that was both challenging and relevant. She was taking classes that were far more sophisticated than we anticipated, and the material was well thought out in its sequencing and content. The balance of academics and extra-curricular activities has been tremendous.

"The sailing was fantastic and there was an amazing array of other activities to both entertain as well as educate.  Audrey has developed some amazing friendships with some equally amazing young women we have been delighted to meet.

The school has a feeling of home that was comforting as a parent." 

RHS headmaster Simon Lockyer, said:  "Audrey is our first pupil to go to Yale University, and we share in celebrating this incredible and well deserved achievement.

"As impressive in the classroom as she is on the water, we are delighted that Audrey has achieved her goal in securing a place at Yale and that we have played our part in supporting her. This is a further illustration of how we can support and develop talented sailors so that they can combine their academic studies with world class sail training. She is an incredible role model for her peers." 

RHS has produced many world class sailors since its foundation in 1733; more recently Sebastian Kempe claimed World Youth Champion in the ILCA 6 class whilst studying at the Royal Hospital School in 2022. Hannah Stodel, four time Paralympian and triple world champion, also studied at RHS and is currently campaigning to compete solo in the Vendee Globe, a non-stop race around the world.