ilovesailing unveils first calendar competition winners of 2015

by Emma Slater, RYA 8 Apr 2015 15:55 BST 8 April 2015

Mike Bowden from Felixstowe, Suffolk and Phil Jackson from Poole in Dorset have been crowned the March winners in the ilovesailing calendar competition 2015, securing themselves the first two spots on the 2016 ilovesailing calendar.

Commenting on his win Mike said: "I am thoroughly delighted to be a winner and in such a crowd of excellent photographers for such a top title and that I appreciate.

"The shoot to get this picture was great fun; the good people of FFSC (Felixstowe Ferry sailing club) really looked after me, placing me on a rescue rib and allowed me licence to go where needed as long as it didn't interfere with their duty. It was blowing hard so they were very busy and we all just got on with it. I am really looking forward to the same TT and to more such events.

"My wife, who used to represent GB in the worlds (Hobie class) and also used to work at the boat show is also pleased with my win; I feel like a double winner!"

Phil's image was taken from Hurst Castle during the 2014 Round the Island Race. "I love taking photos and it's always nice when they get appreciated by others.

"It was an amazing morning (even with the 4am start) and the sky just got lit up with this amazing orange."

"It's been another great start to the ilovesailing calendar competition", commented Emma Slater, ilovesailing co-ordinator. "We had 36 entries for March giving the judges plenty of amazing pictures to choose from. It looks like we are going to have a 2016 calendar full of some fantastic sailing images yet again."

As well as claiming their spot on the 2016 calendar Mike and Phil also win:

• Two tickets to the PSP Southampton Boat Show for the official prize giving
• Canvas print of their winning entry
• A copy of the final printed calendar
• A selection of RYA goodies
• And of course the much loved and coveted ilovesailing rubber duck!

The ilovesailing calendar competition runs from March through to August 2015, with two winners being picked each month. Winners will be announced on the ilovesailing Facebook page.

All you have to do to take part is post your favourite sailing photo(s) on to the ilovesailing Facebook page www.facebook.com/ryailovesailing or email your entry to , it's that easy.

The 2016 calendars will go on sale at the 2015 Southampton Boat Show in September, with the first 100 people to purchase a copy also receiving a 2015 green ilovesailing rubber duck. Alternatively the calendars will also be available to purchase via the RYA web shop, www.rya.org.uk/shop As well as the calendar competition the ilovesailing page will continue to run its ever popular weekly caption competition, giving you a chance to share your funny, clever and witty captions in a bid to win an ilovesailing duck.

Come along to the page at www.facebook.com/ryailovesailing and get involved.

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