ilovesailing unveils first two winners in 2020 calendar competition

by Emma Slater 3 Apr 2020 12:30 BST

The first two winners in the 2020 ilovesailing calendar competition have been unveiled. Dorothy Wilson from Linlithgow, West Lothian and Jonathan Howe from Farnham, Surrey have clinched the first two places on the 2021 calendar.

Picked from amongst a selection of wonderful photos covering all aspects of sailing submitted throughout March, Dorothy and Jonathan's images really caught the judge's eyes clinching them the first two spots on the 2021 calendar.

As well as their place on the calendar Dorothy and Jonathan also pick up a host of other prizes including:

• Two tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show for the official prize-giving
• Afternoon tea at the Holiday Inn for them and three guests following the prize-giving
• Canvas print of their winning entry
• A copy of the final printed calendar
• A selection of RYA goodies
• And of course this years 'gold' ilovesailing rubber duck

Commenting on her win, Dorothy, whose winning shot is entitled 'Early morning Tobermory Bay' said: "I'm so surprised! I have no photographic training. I just point and press when I see something I like, then chop to suit.

"This particular photo was taken on our holiday last year, cruising in company with our friends on Gecko. We, on 'Jack of Hearts', headed off from our home at Largs Yacht Haven, through the Kyles, and Crinan canal, pushing north to Kerrera and Tobermory before sailing on reaching our destination Skye. The photo was taken early morning as I headed off to the showers. Everything was so still and peaceful with amazing reflections. Just had to capture that moment!"

While Jonathan whose photo is entitled 'Sky High' commented: "I'm delighted, it's the first time I've won anything. It was one of the first times I took my drone out on the power boat so it was quite a new experience chasing the yachts whilst in the power boat keeping the drone speeding along in frame.

"The photo was taken using my Mavic Pro drone in early March on a sunny gusty day. The University of Portsmouth were training for the University Yacht Nationals. They sailed out of Port Solent and headed towards Hayling Island. The photo was taken when passing Ryde on the Isle of Wight."

Officially launched at the RYA Dinghy Show in March, the ilovesailing calendar competition, now in its 8th year, gives amateur and professional photographers the perfect place showcase their favourite sailing photos. From dinghy cruising to yacht racing, family days out to regattas, sunsets to sunrises, whatever kind of sailing you love or wherever you love to do it, capture the moment on camera and you could win a spot on the 2021 calendar.

Taking part is easy. All you have to do is post your favourite sailing photo(s) on to the ilovesailing Facebook page or email your entry to , it's as simple as that. Winners will be notified via Facebook and/or email.

Entrants can supply multiple images and can enter in more than one month. All images need to be high resolution and in landscape in order to fit on the calendar. By submitting a photograph, entrants agree that their images may be used for marketing and promotional purposes. If selected, entrants will be asked to confirm they have permission to share the photo from any individuals visible in the photograph. Full terms and conditions available at Facebook page, click on 'About'.

Two winners will be picked each month between March and July to represent a different month on the 2021 calendar, with the final two spots being selected in August from all the other entries made between March and July.

The 2021 calendars will go on sale at the 2020 Southampton International Boat Show, where the first 50 people to purchase a copy will also receive a FREE 2020 gold ilovesailing rubber duck. Alternatively the calendars will also be available to purchase via the RYA web shop in September.

As well as the calendar competition the ilovesailing page runs its very 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 Facebook page and get involved.

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