Lou Boorman celebrates home port win in round-the-world yacht race

A HAVERFORDWEST-born sailor has led her team to a landmark victory on the global stage, winning a major leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as it arrived in South Korea.

Lou Boorman, aged 23, skippered Team Tongyeong to first place as the fleet sailed into the Korean port city this week (Mar 16), marking a historic moment for the race.

The win is particularly significant as it is the first time the round-the-world event has ever stopped in Korea – and the home team claimed the top spot.

Speaking from the yacht after crossing the finish line, Lou said: “We did it, we performed under the pressure! To get a win into our home port, I can die happy!”

From Pembrokeshire to the world stage

Lou, who grew up in Haverfordwest, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive sailing. Before taking on the challenge of leading a Clipper Race team, she had already secured titles as British, Irish and Welsh Female Champion.

Now skippering one of the race’s international teams, she is responsible not only for navigation and strategy, but also for leading a diverse crew – many of whom had never sailed before joining the race.

The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport, covering 40,000 nautical miles over eleven months, with crews facing extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing Pacific crossings to equatorial heat.

High-stakes gamble pays off

Team Tongyeong took a major risk during this stage, playing its ‘Joker’ card – a race tactic that doubles points if successful.

The gamble paid off, earning the team maximum points and securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

Lou said: “We’ve worked really hard and put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Going into our home port there is a lot of pressure to perform, and we added to that pressure by playing our Joker – and we got twenty points, so I’m very proud of the team.”

This marks the team’s second win in recent stages, building momentum as they pass the halfway point of the global race.

Life at sea and leadership challenges

Reflecting on her journey so far, Lou highlighted the challenges of leadership as much as the physical demands of sailing.

She said: “Sometimes the sailing comes second to the people because they are the important ones. To lead them through that is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

She added: “My favourite thing about sailing is the magic of the sea, the stars, the storms and the remoteness. I feel free and at my happiest at sea.”

Global race continues

The Clipper Race fleet will remain in Tongyeong for a week of cultural events before setting off across the North Pacific towards Seattle.

The race will later visit Panama, Washington DC, and Oban before returning to Portsmouth this summer, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.

For Pembrokeshire, Lou’s achievement puts a local name firmly on the world sailing map – and highlights the global reach of talent from West Wales.

Six-week beginner programme offers affordable route into the sport

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE GOLF CLUB is preparing to launch its popular New2Golf scheme for 2026, with the latest intake starting on Monday (Apr 13).

Now in its eighth year at the Pembroke Dock course, the initiative offers a low-cost and welcoming introduction to golf. All equipment and professional tuition are included for a small fee, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners who have never picked up a club before.

The scheme is also ideal for those who have previously played golf and are looking to return to the game after a break.

Participants will receive coaching from qualified golf professionals at the club’s practice ground during early evening sessions over a six-week period. There will also be an option to continue with further sessions after the initial programme.

Golf provides a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. As a low-impact sport, it allows players to gradually build fitness while learning new skills. Whether approached competitively or socially, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Last year’s New2Golf intake ranged in age from eight to 70, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal and accessibility.

Located in Pennar, Pembroke Dock, South Pembrokeshire Golf Club enjoys scenic views over the Haven waterway. The club has a thriving membership across junior, ladies’, men’s and seniors’ sections, and prides itself on being friendly and supportive to new players.

Members regularly help newcomers develop their skills on the course, offering guidance on rules, techniques and course play.

The clubhouse also serves as a social hub, offering home-cooked food, a bar and meeting facilities, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

Anyone who has ever considered taking up golf – or returning to the sport – is encouraged to get involved.

For more information or to enrol in the 2026 New2Golf scheme, contact [email protected] or visit the Wales Golf website.

New2Golf is organised and supported by Wales Golf.

Jones strike secures vital win as County stay top of play-off conference

HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways on Friday (Mar 13) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Metropolitan at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

Substitute OWAIN JONES proved the difference, scoring with ten minutes remaining to seal all three points for the Bluebirds in front of a crowd of more than 500.

The result means County maintain their four-point lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference with just four games left to play.

Slow first half

Chances were limited during a quiet opening period, with neither side able to gain control.

The game was disrupted by a lengthy 12-minute stoppage after Cardiff Met striker Lewis Rees required treatment following a collision with Panashe Makwiramiti.

When play resumed, both sides struggled to build momentum. Dylan Rees came closest for the hosts before the break, first delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly missed teammates before seeing a long-range effort drift just wide.

Cardiff Met’s best opportunity came late in the half when Dixon Kabongo fired over from inside the area.

Pressure builds after break

County looked sharper after the restart and began to apply sustained pressure.

Greg Walters saw a header deflected wide early in the second half, before the hosts had the ball in the net moments later, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Dan Hawkins then forced a low save from goalkeeper Ewan Griffiths, while Walters again went close with an effort from inside the box.

With chances continuing to come and go, manager Tony Pennock turned to his bench, introducing Owain Jones and Iori Humphreys midway through the half.

Jones strikes late

The breakthrough finally came on 80 minutes.

A corner caused confusion in the Cardiff Met defence, and the ball fell kindly for JONES, who bundled it over the line from close range to send the home supporters into celebration.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser late on, but Ifan Knott was rarely troubled as County held firm through the closing stages.

The victory sees Haverfordwest County strengthen their position at the top of the Play-Off Conference as they head into the final weeks of the season.

They are back in action on Saturday (Mar 21) when they travel to Bala Town.

Cover image:

Greg Walters shifts the ball away from Cardiff Metropolitan captain CJ Craven. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)