The nominees include Laurie MacDonald, Arlene McNeilage, Nikki Stewart, Calum Rosie and Luke Patience as well as Helensburgh Sailing Club being shortlisted for club of the year.

The candidates have been nominated for their contributions to sailing in Scotland and for their achievements during the year.

Nominations for the award came through during the month of November and the judging panel made their final decisions about those shortlisted as well as the winners of the awards.

The award nominations are as follows: Arlene McNeilage for the RYA Scotland Instructor of the Year award. Nikki Stewart for the RYA Scotland Elizabeth Mackay award for female endeavours in sailing. Calum Rosie for both the RYA Scotland Youth Sailor of the Year and also the RYA Scotland Performance of the Year award. Luke Patience for the RYA Scotland Performance of the Year award.

While Laurie MacDonald, 27, is shortlisted for the RYA Scotland Coach of the Year Award and she was ecstatic to be in with a chance of taking the award.

She said: “I’m delighted to be nominated for this award and it feels very special to be recognised by the sailors.” Helensburgh Sailing Club is in with a chance of being named RYA Scotland Club of the Year, not only for some of the achievements of some of their sailors but also for the way they integrate with the local community.

Commodore Kevin Lynch said:“We see ourselves more of a community resource than a strict members only sailing club, we engage with the local community through usage of our clubhouse for the art club, photography club, function hire, and the local round table who use Helensburgh Sailing Club as the venue for their annual real ale festival which is a big community event, creating interest for us and benefiting a great organisation.

“In addition we have helped to develop our disabled sailing section, which has benefited greatly from volunteers doing the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme making the club a busy place several days a week summer and winter.” All the nominees shortlisted for an annual award have been invited to attend the organisation’s annual awards ceremony at the Glasgow Science Centre on January 31 where the winners will be announced.