Three inspirational south-west sailors were among youngsters from around the UK who were celebrated in the RYA Musto Youth Awards which were presented at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show at the end of February.
The awards celebrate the achievements of young people in the sport whether on the racecourse, volunteering, instructing, coaching or overcoming adversity. They were presented by Olympic gold medallist Dylan Fletcher and RYA Director of Racing, Ian Walker.
Francesca Neale, from South Cerney Sailing Club, joined Blind Sailing as a new young volunteer in 2019, just before lockdown. She quickly demonstrated her passion for sailing and joy for sharing the sport with others – a fantastic female role model. Her positive attitude has helped sailors to get back on the water, some having spent nearly 18 months indoors.
She said: “When I received the award, I felt very grateful to those who had nominated me and everyone who has supported me to gain the knowledge and opportunities, which have helped me develop my skills and passion for sailing. I really enjoyed the presentation and was inspired by the other youths who had also been acknowledged for their achievements. The other nominees’ stories really reflected how inclusive and accessible sailing is to everyone. I’m honoured to be a part of it, thank you.”
Will Sears, from Christchurch Sailing Club, first tried sailing during an open day. He quickly advanced in the RS Tera and was offered a place on the RS Tera National Squad training. In the spring of 2019, he collapsed and was later diagnosed with having had a stroke, Cavernous Malformations and after the brain injury, Focal Epilepsy. Within eight weeks of his brain surgery, he was back out supporting people on the water. He is a qualified Assistant Dinghy Instructor and is an ambassador and Watch Leader for the Tall Ships Trust.
Will said: “I was amazed to hear I’d been nominated and so very honoured to think that I could be selected as a winner. It’s been a very tricky couple of years and sailing has been the light in some difficult times. There was a point where I thought I wouldn’t be able to get back to the water, but with the support of my club and Sailability I have a ‘new normal’ and a determination to show that sailing is all about your ability, not your disability!
“Being welcomed to the stage and all the lovely people who congratulated me after, really motivated me to continue to strive to engage more young sailors, regardless of their challenges, into the sport”.
Sarah Probert joined Paignton Sailing Club in 2017 and for the last few years has helped with the junior sailing club, and, as a DI, with junior and adult Learn to Sail courses. She is always willing to help sailors of all abilities and experience and has recently achieved her RCL2, keen to impart her racing knowledge to others. Sarah also volunteers regularly on club racing events and large regattas, and has recently completed her RRO course.
She commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show and feel very privileged to have been selected for this award. It was amazing to receive this from Dylan Fletcher! A big thank-you to Paignton Sailing Club for nominating me and Musto for sponsoring this event. The kit will come in handy for this summer!”
Ian Walker said: “Congratulations to all the winners. It’s very impressive hearing what these young sailors have achieved in their lives. To have learnt so much about sailing themselves is a huge achievement, but to encourage others into our sport with such passion shows that the future of the sport is in good hands”.
Hugh Brayshaw, Musto Marketing Projects Manager said: “We’re very proud to be sponsoring the Youth Awards again especially when we learn about the worthy winners and their stories. Hearing about how sailing has helped overcome difficult times in a young person’s life and the time donated to volunteering in their clubs is very inspiring to us. We hope this year’s winners enjoy the Musto kit, it is extremely well deserved”.
Find more information on how to get youngsters into sailing.