Scottish sailors and clubs shortlisted for RYA Scotland Annual Awards

RYA Scotland is pleased to announce the names of the nominees who have been shortlisted for their Annual Awards for contributions to sailing and boating in Scotland during 2014.

Nominations were submitted at the end of the 2014 season and then the difficult task of choosing the shortlists and the winners came down to the awards judging panel made up of Tony Gorzkowski – RYA Scotland Chairman, Stewart Harris – CEO of sportscotland, Andrew Johnston – editor of Caledonia Sailing and Alan Munro – Sales Manager at Thames Water Commercial Services. The panel were all impressed by the standard of the nominations detailing the commitment and successes of boating in Scotland during 2014.

All of the nominees who have been shortlisted have been invited to attend the organisation's annual awards ceremony at the Glasgow Science Centre on 31 January 2015 where the winners will be announced.

The list of nominees shortlisted for each of the award categories are as follows:

• RYA Scotland Club of the Year award sponsored by Thames Water Commercial Services
  • Helensburgh Sailing Club
  • Dalgety Bay Sailing Club
  • Clyde Cruising Club Dinghy Section
• RYA Scotland Volunteer of the Year award sponsored by Clyde Challenger
  • John Spruce
  • Robert Gordon
  • John Ridley
• RYA Scotland Elizabeth Mackay award
  • Erica Revie
  • Nikki Stewart
• RYA Scotland Instructor of the Year award sponsored by the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
  • Arlene McNeilage
  • Ryan Tozer
  • Derek McLean
• RYA Scotland Coach of the Year award sponsored by the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
  • Matt Thomas
  • Laurie MacDonald
  • Duncan Hepplewhite
• RYA Scotland Official of the Year award sponsored by the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
  • John Readman
  • David Sturrock
• RYA Scotland Class Academy Sailor of the Year award sponsored by Caledonian MacBrayne
  • Fiona Mackay and Heather Sword
  • Hannah Scott
  • Calum Bell
• RYA Scotland Youth Sailor of the Year award sponsored by Caledonian MacBrayne
  • Calum Rosie
  • Andrew Brown
  • Jamie Calder
• RYA Scotland Performance of the Year award sponsored by Caledonian MacBrayne
  • Luke Patience
  • Calum Rosie
  • Lorenzo Chiavarini
  Passing on the good news to all the people who have been shortlisted is the best bit about organising the Annual Awards as it is such a great achievement and to give some recognition back to those who work extremely hard for our sport.

  Andrew Brown from Glasgow told RYA Scotland:

  "I feel very pleased and honoured to have been shortlisted for the RYA Scotland Youth Sailor of the Year award. It is great to have the recognition in the sport I feel so passionate about".

  John Spruce from Alva who was shortlisted for the volunteer award commented:

  "It is a complete surprise to have been shortlisted - I did not even know I had been nominated! Like most people I don't volunteer and spend my time for the recognition, but because I am lucky to have the time and opportunity to something I thoroughly enjoy doing.

  "As well as the special events, working down at the club every Tuesday is great fun. We work hard but enjoy ourselves doing maintenance work and fixing things. Whether it be the club grounds, buildings or boats there is always plenty to do. I would like to think that this nomination is for the whole team".

  As well as celebrating the winners of the annual awards, attendees of the dinner can also look forward to an after dinner talk from Sean McCarter. Irish skipper Sean McCarter successfully led Derry~Londonderry~Doire to fourth place overall in the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race.

  Sean and his team faced some of the world's toughest conditions as well as overcoming the ultimate drama on the hi-seas, not only a medevac in the Southern Ocean but also a Man Overboard mid-Pacific Ocean. For over an hour Sean led his team in a successful man-overboard search and recovery. It promises to be an inspiring and entertaining evening throughout.

  Tickets are on sale for anyone to purchase through the RYA online shop in the ticket section and are priced at just £40 but please note that they are only on sale until Thursday 22 January so make sure you don't miss out – www.ryascotland.org.uk.

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