Awards presented at sailing club’s presentation evening

A WESTBURY sailing club held its yearly meeting last month when awards were presented to members and the club reflected on its year in 2016.

The annual general meeting of the West Wilts Youth Sailing Association was held on Friday 27th January at the Westbury Leigh Community Hall.

The club’s Duncan Wilson reports, “2016 was another busy year for the association.  Sailing has been run on three evenings a week, plus winter sailing on Saturdays. There have been two adult courses and groups from schools and scouts have come to visit.  In addition, a model boat group has been set up on Saturday mornings and we have also had an activity day with canoes, paddle boards, fun races and a barbecue, which raised money for sail4cancer.

“In July a large group went to Roadford, Devon, where they enjoyed sailing on a larger lake, camping and a barbecue by the lake.  Everybody went out on the water at some point over the weekend, with a variety of craft ranging from club boats to paddleboards and kayaks.

“Looking forward, we are anticipating exciting times with the relocation of the association to the other side of the lake to a new building. With luck this will be accompanied by increased opportunities to sail and an expansion of the association in the number of youth sailors and adult volunteers.

“Mr Nic Cross is standing down as the principal of the association, having been in this role for 11 years and in a variety of other roles since 1981.  He will be sorely missed and the commodore, chief instructor and all members of the association are extremely grateful for his hard work over the years.  We welcome Mr Peter Harris as the new Principal.

“2017 year is the Association’s 50th anniversary, which will warrant a huge celebration!”

The following members were presented with Association Trophies by the commodore, Margaret Pell:

• Junior Trophy (most progress and effort, 12 years or under): Finn Caddy and James Woolley.

• Laslett Cup (most progress and effort, senior cadet): Molly Savva.

• Glarus Trophy (individual service to the association): Gareth Brooks-Martin.

• Lynne Yates Shield (best trainee instructor): Jordan Lee.

• Endeavour Shield: James Welbourn.

The following members were presented with racing trophies by the principal, Nic Cross:

• RNLI Pennant: James Welbourn.

• Royal Oak Challenge Shield: James Corp.

• Inter-Night Shield: Finn Caddy, James Welbourn and Oliver Welbourn.

• Summer Points: James Welbourn.

• Junior Instructors’ Race: James Welbourn.

The chief instructor, Christopher Mulholland, also presented certificates to 15 members who had passed their Stage 1 assessments, and certificates were awarded to nine members who had achieved Stage 2, three who had reached Stage 3, and four who had passed Stage 4. Finally, there were three who were awarded their Seamanship certificates.

Duncan added, “Thank you to everyone who helps make sailing at Westbury and beyond such fun.

“We are now planning our 2017 season.  Membership is open to anyone over the age of eight and we welcome any new applications.  Adult instructors are also welcome to join.”

To find out more go to www.wwysa.org.uk or email  mail@wwysa.org.uk