Thanks to Marina for this latest news from the Royal Yachting Association. Ed
A Cowes sailor will be presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA in recognition of his commitment to Cowes Sailability.
Lifetime Commitment
Outstanding contribution Award
Philippe Wines has been nominated for a Lifetime Commitment Outstanding contribution Award by the club and has been selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel. He will receive his award at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London later in November.
Philippe set up Fishbourne Sailability along with another member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in 2001. In 2010, when the club moved to Cowes and later changed its name to Cowes Sailability, Philippe played a crucial part in facilitating the move and negotiating with their new hosts, Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club.
Inspirational member
As a long serving Committee member, Flag Officer, Bosun and Instructor, Philippe utilises his considerable experience to encourage many Island residents to take up sailing, and to recruit numerous volunteers to assist with the running of the group.
Philippe is an inspiration; at the helm of a club dinghy he is effective, calm, and always ready with a funny story to cheer a crew, or dissipate the nerves of members new to the adventure and freedom that sailing can bring. Throughout this time, Philippe has used his experience and innate charm to resolve issues with good humour, and his friendly approach and endless enthusiasm make him an invaluable asset to Cowes Sailability.
Philippe says:
“I am both humbled and honoured to have won this amazing award from the RYA. Having been in the happy position to help members of our community with all types of disabilities to go sailing over the last 20 years, and seeing the resultant big smiles on their faces has been reward enough for me.
“I would never have achieved this award without the original inspiration I gained whilst a helper with Oxford Sailability and without the support and encouragement of Cowes Sailability over the last 15 years.”
RYA Sport Development Manager Duncan Truswell explains:
“The RYA Volunteer Awards are all about celebrating the commitment of the countless volunteers who do fantastic work to support boating in all its forms. These people are the lifeblood of our sport; they keep our sailing clubs, events and our organisations thriving and make it possible for others to get out on the water.”
