Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award
- Posted on 18th January, 08
- in General thoughts, News
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The beginning of everything public for me was the BT/YJA Young Sailor of the Year award in January 1995. It was the first time anyone other than the teachers at school called my name out, and I remember vividly going out to the big city of Derby to find a skirt (of all things!) to wear to the event. Since then I have been to the event most years (other than those when I have been at sea!), and have been lucky enough to win the Yachtsman of the Year on three separate occasions.
This year was the 52nd year and the trophy was (once again!) won by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston for his incredible circumnavigation in the Velux 5 Oceans (at the age of 67!). The runners up were so close though that virtually all four of them could have won the award. Geoff Holt, who sailed solo round the British Isles in a small trimaran was one of the runners up. It takes an incredible human being not only to sail around Britain in a small trimaran, but to do so when you are paralysed from the waist down like Geoff. Other runners up were Mike Golding and Dee Caffari who had also recently competed in offshore races. Mike had rescued fellow competitor Alex Thomson, also in the Velux 5 Oceans.
The Young Sailor of the Year was Laurence Greenough, also someone who is inspirational. He continues to sail his unmodified Topper after losing his leg in a boating accident. It was lovely to see everyone again, in fact those faces who have become friends throughout my racing career. Some were faces I had not seen for years, so it was lovely to be able to have a chat about past experiences and previous encounters. I chatted with Mike Richie, who must be 90 years old now, and who has raced numerous times across the Atlantic (the last at 87!). He really is an inspiration to us all, as much now as he was when I first met him in 1996. At lunch, I sat next to Lady Pippa Blake who we were proud to have as ‘godmother’ of Kingfisher before she left New Zealand on her maiden voyage to Europe. It was great to catch up with her and discuss all sorts of topics, including her fantastic artwork, I’ve been to one of Pippa’s exhibitions and she has created some wonderful pieces.
I loved being there, and it was fantastic to spend time amongst friends. I left the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich with a light step, and a feeling that it had been really nice to see familiar and friendly faces…..
Hi Ellen,
I just read about the Francis Joyon’s record - I didn’t even know he was sailing around the world.
The older I am the less competitive I feel and I try to find joy in cooperation and helping others. For some reason, even though you compete and try to be first in all these races, I believe you wished Francis his success from the bottom of your heart. Does it have a deep psychological impact on you when you win or lose a race?
Barbara
P.S. Thanks for “introducing” me to Lady Pippa Blake. I have never heard about her before, so I looked at her web site and I love her paintings. They have such an inner drive and emotion.