Recognising the talent of tomorrow with the RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards
by Becky Gilbert-Wood 3 Mar 2019 16:35 GMT
2-3 March 2019
RYA Regional Youth Champion Award winners with Ian Walker and Shirley Robertson © Paul Wyeth /
www.pwpictures.com
A new generation of talented sailors and windsurfers were recognised in the RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards this afternoon (03 March), at the RYA Dinghy Show.
The awards were presented to each of the regional winners by double Olympic silver medallist and RYA Director of Racing, Ian Walker and double Olympic gold medallist and 2019 show host, Shirley Robertson OBE.
The 2019 winners included London and South East joint champions, Freya Black and Millie Aldridge who were crowned both national and European champions in the 29er class in 2018. A force to be reckoned with, the talented sailors were made members of the senior British Sailing Team late last year.
Also hoping to make the British Sailing Team, East Champion, Joseph Drake has had a fantastic year ranking well at various regional, national and international championships, including a win in the under 19 category at the RYA Youth National Championships. The committed Laser sailor was selected for the British Youth Sailing Squad in 2018 and is looking forward to progressing further this year.
Having collected his award today, Joseph commented: "It was really good receiving the award, it's nice to know that the effort is being recognised and you're moving through and progressing up into the next level of sailing."
RYA Regional Youth Champions 2019:
- South Alice Davis
- South West Noah Rees
- London and South East Freya Black and Millie Aldridge
- East Joseph Drake
- Midlands Lydia Barber
- North East Beth Miller
- North West Lorcan Knowles
- Cymru Wales Rhys Lewis
- Scotland Islay Watson
- Northern Ireland Erin McIlwaine
RYA Director of Racing Ian Walker said: "Although all of the sailors recognised here today have achieved outstanding results, it's not just about the titles, it's so brilliant to see another generation of sailors falling in love with the sport and becoming ambassadors and role models.
"I'd also like to thank all of the parents, volunteers, coaches and all those that have offered support to all the champions stood on the stage today, without you none of it would be possible."
Launched in 2014, the RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards recognise the outstanding dedication, achievement and performance of talented young people in sailing, windsurfing and powerboating.
For more information about the RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards visit www.rya.org.uk/go/youthchampion