Marina Johnson on behalf of RYA Southern Region. Ed
A Yarmouth sailor was presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA in recognition of her commitment to the RYA’s Southern Region.
Sylvia Mence was nominated for an RYA Regional Award by her club and was selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel. She received her award at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London on Friday (18 November).
A leading light
Sylvia has been a leading light in all matters concerning yachting in the western part of the Isle of Wight. She was the RYA’s representative and Chair of the Yarmouth Harbour Advisory Committee for 12 years and was instrumental in its formation.
She has represented yachting interests on the Yarmouth Coastal Defence Working Group and in Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners’ discussions over Marine Conservation Zones on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, the proposed Navitus Bay Wind Farm and in response to the National Trust’s suggested changes to the management of Newtown Creek.
Volunteering immeasurable
Sylvia was instrumental in ensuring that recreational boating interests were given due consideration in the formulation of the Yarmouth Harbour Revision Order 2011.
Sylvia has served as a Flag Officer at the Royal Solent Yacht Club, and has found time for extensive cruising. Her volunteer input into yachting, and to ensuring that leisure boating interests were properly represented in the RYA South Region, has been immeasurable.
After receiving her award Sylvia said,
“I was very proud to receive an award for my contribution to the important work of the Royal Yachting Association for recreational boating.”
