2017 ilovesailing calendar unveiled at the Southampton Boat Show
by Emma Slater, RYA 19 Sep 2016 18:42 BST
17 September 2016
2017 ilovesailing calendar unveiled at the Southampton Boat Show © Emily Whiting
After six months of competition, over 180 entries and the crowning of 12 amazing winners the ilovesailing calendar 2017 was officially unveiled at the Southampton Boat Show and are now on sale.
Winners, Jo Grierson, Karen Langston, Ken Dear and Ben Slater, along with, nine year old, William Barnes who was collecting prizes on behalf of Andrew Rimmer, joined the RYA at the show to help celebrate the launch and collect their prizes.
Along with their spots on the 2017 calendar; each of the winners also received:
- Two tickets to the Southampton Boat Show and a free afternoon tea in the Holiday Inn after the prize giving
- A copy of the final printed calendar
- Canvas print of their winning entry
- A host of RYA goodies
- And... the coveted ilovesailing union jack rubber duck.
William, who features in Andrew Rimmer's winning photo entitled 'Optimist Fun' commented: "I was very excited to come along to the prize giving, but a bit nervous. I am very pleased to be able to pick up the prizes on behalf of Andrew. Andrew is also going to let me keep the canvas print of me sailing in my oppie."
Ben Slater, from Ringwood, whose winning photo entitled 'Solent Splash' commented: "My photo was taken on a great day out with my grandad and I was really glad I captured the action moment of the thrill of racing. Today has been a fantastic event, really enjoyable and the prize package is very generous."
While Jo Grierson, from Poole, a third time winner in the ilovesailing calendar competition added: "I was really surprised to be picked a third time, but I must say it is the place not the photographer that makes the shots. Today has been great and we've received a very generous prize package, and it has been a great opportunity to visit the boat show, which we haven't been to for a number of years as we are usually sailing."
Emma Slater, ilovesailing co-ordinator commented: "Yet again we were inundated with some fantastic photographs throughout the competition and choosing just 12 winners was a tough job for the judges.
"The calendar competition is a great way to share all the amazing pictures people take while out enjoying sailing, all around the world, and we hope that everyone loves it as much as we do and gets one for their kitchen or galley wall."
The final twelve calendar competition winners for 2016/17 are:
- Joe Purdie, West Mersea, Cornwall
- Teresa Culmer, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
- Debbie Degge, Redditch, Worcestershire
- Jo Grierson, Poole, Dorset
- Andrew Rimmer, Helmdon, Northants
- Debbie Purser, Saint Mawes, Cornwall
- Karen Langston (x2), Beccles, Suffolk
- Ben Slater, Ringwood, Hampshire
- Josh Cooper (x2), Aberdyfi, Gwynedd
- Ken Dear, Hedge End, Southampton
You can view all the calendar competition entries and winning photos on the ilovesailing Facebook page
www.facebook.com/ryailovesailing
The 2017 calendar is available to purchase from the RYA stand (B032) at the Southampton Boat Show (16-25 September). Purchase a copy of the calendar at the show and you will also receive a FREE ilovesailing union jack rubber duck! Alternatively, the calendars are available to purchase via the RYA web shop - www.rya.org.uk/shop/pages/listing.aspx?mode=c&cat=Diary+and+Calendar%28RYA+Main%29
Calendars cost just £4.00 (20% discount for RYA members for purchases at the Southampton Boat Show, 15% discount via the RYA webshop). Stocks are limited so we recommend purchasing your copy as soon as possible.
The ilovesailing calendar competition opened in March with entrants submitting their favourite sailing photos. Each month between March and July two winners were picked to represent a different month on the 2017 calendar. The final two spots were picked in mid-August from all the other entries made between March and July, giving all entrants two chances of winning a spot on the calendar.
As well as the new 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.
Love Boating? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 02380 604 159, email or visit www.rya.org.uk