Milo Gill-Taylor's view of the YJA Apollo Yachtsman of the Year Awards
by Milo Gill-Taylor 14 Jan 2014 10:36 GMT
9 January 2014
Milo Gill-Taylor with YJA Apollo Young Sailor of the Year Natasha Lambert and her father © Kate Taylor
It was the beginning of December, looking forward to Christmas, waiting for mum to pick me up from school in the cold. The school secretary handed me a piece of paper with 'Young Sailor of the Year Award' and a phone number. We had been invited to the presentation of the YJA Apollo Yachtsman of the Year Awards at Trinity House on Thursday 9th January. I was one of 3 Finalists shortlisted for the Young Sailor of the Year Award!
The other two finalists were:
- Natasha Lambert, a 16 year old who has sailed across the English Channel in a specially adapted boat with a sip and puff system designed by her father. Natasha has cerebral palsy, and can neither walk nor speak.
- Kieran Martin, an 18 year old windsurfer who has won the ISAF Youth World Championships.
The day started with a guided tour of Trinity House in London. There is a painting opposite the stairs of a group of sailors. It looks rather bizarre, as the sailors were out at sea, they had to use stevedores as doubles to stand in for them while they were being painted, and when they came back they added their heads, which don't always fit the bodies! The other things that impressed me were the ceremonial sword that Princess Anne wears as Master of Trinity House, and the bell from the Royal Yacht Britannia was amazing.
Before luncheon we had drinks in a room with portraits of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, being serenaded by a string quartet. I had a virgin mojito, which was surprisingly good. I was introduced to Rodney Pattisson, the double Olympic gold medalist Flying Dutchman sailor. Sir Robin Knox -Johnston rang the Royal Yacht Britannia bell for us to all go and sit down for lunch.
All the youth sailors sat at one table with their parents. Bob Fisher then presented each of the Young Sailors with a video and a list of their achievements. I was getting quite nervous by this point, as we all had a good chance of winning. He then announced the winner – Natasha Lambert! Her father pushed her wheelchair to collect the massive trophy.
The Rev. Bob Shepton won the YJA Apollo Yachtsman of the Year and Mike Golding was presented with a Special Award, as was Ben Jelf. Ben is also 13, and holds National and World records for speed boating. Optimist speed record?!
I felt disappointed, but quickly realized that what Natasha had done was exceptional. I moved on, and enjoyed lunch, especially the steak, which was delicious. After lunch I met Mike Golding, Bob Fisher and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. He gave me some advice, which is not repeatable here I'm afraid!! Mike Golding invited me on to his 65 foot boat! A big step up from an 8 foot oppy! At the end of the meal, I rang the Britannia bell – cool! We went home after an extraordinary day!