Northants Sailors receive top award

Two Northamptonshire sailors were presented with two of the RYA's (Royal Yachting Association) 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 Thursday (18th November).
 
Hollowell Sailing Club's Ian Hall was awarded with an Outstanding Commitment Award for his exceptional dedication to the development of the sailing club, while 23-year-old Samantha Green, winner of last year's Northamptonshire Sport Volunteer of the Year award, received an RYA Youth Award for her commitment and inspirational contribution to the Northampton Sea Cadets.

Both sailors were nominated for their awards by the RYA's council members and selected as winners by the Awards panel. A total of 44 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as the Isle of White to County Antrim.

Ian has held the demanding duel roles of Club Commodore and Training Principal at Hollowell SC, including overseeing fundraising for, and the development of, invaluable boat and car park expansions and changing room refurbishments. He also runs an annual race officers course for club members and established the club website to promote Hollowell SC to new and existing members. 

Meanwhile, through her involvement with Northampton Sea Cadets, Samantha, who herself first learned to sail with the Cadets aged 12, has had an massive influence in encouraging young people on to the water and also guiding some of the members through instructor qualifications. As an RYA Senior Instructor, her talents are also invaluable at other local groups such as Northampton Watersports, where she has worked for four years, and the training centre at Thrapston. Sam can also often be found mopping shower rooms, repairing boats and fundraising for residential courses and training.

Ian, who lives in Leicester, said: "The award was a great surprise and it's a pleasure to be recognised alongside the numerous previous recipients from Hollowell SC. I've loved seeing my family grow up enjoying the sport and making friends all over the country and I get a lot of satisfaction from the continued success in breeding young sailors at Hollowell, mirrored by the continued flow of new volunteers helping at the club. It's also great to compete with, and sometimes even beat, the other Solo class sailors at Hollowell!"

Samantha added: "It feels really great to win the award and I appreciate everyone who has worked with me in my times learning to sail and teaching sailing to others. I really enjoy using my free time to volunteer for the Northampton Sea Cadets and giving young people the same opportunity I had to learn to sail and get involved in a sport they can continue doing with friends for their whole lives. Sailing and windsurfing is my life."