Sam Davies crowned YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year

By Barry Pickthall on 12 Jan 201012 January 2010

Samantha Davies wins the Coveted YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year Award

Rod Carr, the retiring CEO of the Royal Yachting Association is presented with a YJA Special Award at the YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year Awards

All photos © onEdition

Today, British solo yachtswoman Sam Davies won the coveted title of YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year for 2009. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony held at Trinity House, London.

Portsmouth born Sam, now based in Concarneau, France, was first placed Briton in the French Vendée Globe 2008/09 singlehanded non-stop round the world race in her Open 60 yacht ‘Roxy’ . The 36 year old was the first woman, finishing third overall. Recently she completed the Transat Jacque Vabre transatlantic race, finishing 10th with team mate Sidney Gavignet. She was also nominated for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award last year.

The other finalists for the YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year award were Paul Goodison, World Laser champion, Olympic Gold medallist and five times European champion, and Ian Williams, the two times World Match Race champion.

Paul (32),is the only sailor worldwide to hold all three event titles at the same time and was also nominated for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award. Ian Williams (32) became the first British National to be crowned Match Racing World champion in the event’s 19 year history. He won the title in 2007 and again in 2008 - A name to watch for in future America's Cup events.

The trophy was presented by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, himself a three times winner of the award.

Rod Carr presented with a YJA Special Award

Rod Carr, the retiring CEO of the Royal Yachting Association was also presented with a YJA Special Award as a mark of gratitude for the many years of dedication and valuable service he has given to British yachting.

The 2009 YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year was announced at a separate ceremony held on Saturday 9th January at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show. 17-year olds Phil Sparks from Mudeford Hampshire, and Ben Gratton from Guildford, Surrey were presented with the Award by sailing legend Ben Ainslie CBE, a previous winner himself who has gone on to win the Yachtsman of the Year Award three times.

Last autumn Phil and Ben were voted RYA Southern Regional Young Sailors of the Year 2009 . They won Gold in their 420 on the final day of the 2009 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships in Brazil. They also won first place in the Kiel Week regatta and third place in the 420 Class World Championships at Lake Garda.

Phil and Ben were amongst 13 RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year winners who are voted for by RYA affiliated sailing clubs and who were also presented with their awards by Ben Ainslie. These young sailors have made a significant impact on youth sailing, ranging from gold medal winning achievements and overcoming adversity, to the huge amount of hard work and effort they give back to their clubs.