Young Lincoln Sailor Receives Prestigious Award
by Karenza Morton.
Date: 28 November 2011
A young Lincoln sailor was presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony held at London’s One Great George Street on Wednesday 23rd November.
Robin Jones was awarded with a Youth Award, for his commitment and dedication in supporting the Lincolnshire and District Sailing Association (LDSA) to deliver sailing sessions to children from local schools.
A total of 48 RYA Volunteer Awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Hayling Island and Loch Tummel, Scotland.
Hykeham Sailing Club
Robin learned to sail at Hykeham Sailing Club around six years ago but it wasn’t until 2008 that he really got into the sport, first obtaining his RYA assistant instructor qualification the following year before qualifying as a full instructor this year.
He excels in all the activities he takes part in and at a moment’s notice can be called upon to take children sailing or help out with regattas and act as on water safety crew. He encourages young people to sail and have fun on the water while setting an example which is second to none, inspiring other youngsters to follow his lead.
Surprise Letter
Robin said: "The award is great, when I began instructing I never thought that anything like this would happen so I was so surprised when I got the letter telling me I had been chosen for an RYA award. I love helping teach sailing and seeing how sailors develop throughout the course.
"I get so much enjoyment from actually sailing, but also things like instructing and racing. You meet loads of new friends, and it is a great sport for learning new skills like team building and confidence, for example. And it is so diverse - you can race, or just pleasure sail, and there are varying classes of boats to suit anyone, whether they want to sail on their own or with someone."
Robin and the other RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive said: "The RYA is delighted to make this RYA Volunteer Award in recognition of Robin’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the region’s sailing scene. All 48 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their sheer hard work and commitment through these awards."
For more information about how you can get into sailing in Lincolnshire visit:
www.rya.org.uk/regions/eastmidlands
