Search is on for young sailor awards

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has officially begun the search for the 2012 winners of The RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year Awards.

Do you know a young sailor or powerboater in this area who always goes the extra mile? It could be someone who has overcome adversity and carried on sailing or someone who can demonstrate an exceptional achievement. If so then why not nominate them.

These awards offer clubs and training centres the chance to recognise the outstanding impact young people have made to UK boating, whether it is on the race course, or at their club, overcoming adversity or through an exceptional achievement.

Awaiting nominations
Stretching from Poole Harbour in the West to Chichester in the East and including the Isle of Wight, the RYA’s Southern regional committee will be waiting to receive nominations before deciding on the South’s winner.

RYA Chief Executive Sarah Treseder (pictured at UKSA) said: “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the achievements of young people in our sport. This year, more than ever, young people around the country have been leading activity at their clubs and showcasing our sport to the nation. These awards would not be possible without your nominations so please do put forward your winning sailor, windsurfer, powerboater or jet skier.”

Three finalists will be shortlisted
Each RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year winner is then automatically put forward for the National YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year Award, with three finalists shortlisted by the Yachting Journalists Association (YJA) from all of the nominees.

Southern winner (or winners if it is a crew or team) and their families will be treated to a VIP day at the 2013 London Boat Show, where the national YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year winner will be announced. Previous winners of this award include Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie and transatlantic solo yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur.

To find out more information and to nominate your winning sailor visit the Website.

Image: Henry under CC BY 2.0