Sailing club hosts annual awards evening

WEST Wilts Youth Sailing Association held its annual meeting and awards evening last month, after seeing a successful year back on the water following a devastating fire that destroyed the clubhouse in 2014.

Emily Abbott of the association reported, “2015 was a mixed but exciting year for the association.  We started with only three evenings running due to a slight fall in numbers after the disruptions of the fire the previous year.

“However once the season got under way many of our students joined in the extra activities that were kindly organised by our instructors and adult helpers. These encouraged visits to other sailing locations, which is always a good experience, as well as inviting friends and family to have a taste of sailing at Westbury.

“Highlights of the year included: • The instructors’ trip to Mount Batten, Plymouth. It was great to see so many of our instructors and helpers on the water. • The Roadford weekend involved 50+ people and with good conditions there was lots of time on the water, including members in their own boats enjoying the wide open spaces.

“A wonderful chance for families to have a weekend away with a wide range of activities such as paddle boarding, canoeing, sailing, racing, walking, cycling or just sitting around chatting and then the barbecue on Saturday.

“The following members were presented with trophies by the Commodore, Mrs. Margaret Pell:

Association Trophies: Junior Trophy (Most Progress and Effort, 12 years or under) – Malin Cranston and Rebecca Goodsman. Laslett Cup (Most Progress and Effort, Senior Cadet) – Emily Bullock and Lydia Smith. Glarus Trophy (Individual Service to the Association) – Sophie Ellis

Lynne Yates Shield (Best Trainee Instructor) – Fraser Jones. Endeavour Shield – Edward Abbott. Racing Trophies: The following members were presented with Racing Trophies by Mr. Kenneth Adams: RNLI Pennant (now we award RYA socks as pennants aren’t available!) – Thomas Brookes and Fraser Jones. Royal Oak Challenge Shield – Thomas Brookes and Fraser Jones. Inter-Night Shield Tuesday Night – Thomas Adams, Felix Plant, George Adams, Jordan Lee. Summer Points –Thomas Brookes and Fraser Jones. Seamanship Trophy – Helm: William Bromham – Crew:  Thomas Brookes and Fraser Jones

Junior Instructors’ Race – Fraser Jones and Ben Sykes

“Thank you to everyone who helps makes sailing at Westbury and beyond such fun. We are now planning our 2016 season and have already filled our adult course that starts in April. Membership is open for anyone over the age of eight and we welcome any new application, please visit our website to find out more : www.wwysa.org.uk  or contact us at mail@wwysa.org.uk ”