Luke Is Playing Game Of Lockdown Patience Until Sea Change And Olympic Ambition Sets Sail Again

Broadband speed is the most vital velocity in Luke Patience’s life during lockdown.

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Rather than plotting high-speed trips around the coast of Japan, the Scots sailor is isolated at his parents’ home on Tiree with just online races for his yachting fix.

There have been cyber challenges to raise money for Ellen McArthur’s cancer charity. Card tricks to keep him occupied. A moustache to grow. Local whiskies to savour.

But the London 2012 Olympic silver medallist admits small-screen simulation with his British team-mates has kept his skills sharp and his mind engaged.

“It’s pretty competitive,” he says, talking about the virtual regatta experience and going head-to-head online with sailors around the world.

At least the 33-year-old has been told his selection is secure if Tokyo 2020 goes ahead after a 12-month delay providing the Covid-19 crisis is under control.

He said: “In these unprecedented times you’ve got to keep open to anything.

“I was quite prepared if the British Olympic Association had made it a clean slate, made it open for another year and started the process again.