Burgh sailors claim top spot at awards

The event, held at the Glasgow Science Centre, was to recognise the achievements of Scotland’s volunteers, coaches, instructors, officials, clubs and performance sailors.

The Helensburgh winners were: Nikki Stewart (Elizabeth Mackay award for female endeavours in sailing), Arlene McNeilage (Instructor of the Year), Laurie MacDonald (Coach of the Year) and Calum Rosie won Youth Sailor of the Year.

Nikki Stewart, 28, from Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club said of her award: “I am really pleased to win the award tonight. I wasn’t expecting it at all but I am very proud to win it. Awards like these are very important and it is nice to be recognised for the work that you do.

“Everyone puts in a lot of time and the sport wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for volunteers”.

Laurie MacDonald wasn’t there to collect her award on the night as she was down in Weymouth coaching more of the UK’s best young sailors in the optimist class.

On hearing the news Laurie said: “I’m so delighted to be receiving this award and thank you very much to those who nominated and awarded this to me” Competition for the RYA Scotland Youth Sailor of the Year sponsored was extremely tough with outstanding results coming from a number of Scotland’s young sailors in 2014.

Calum Rosie clinched the award after claiming wins at the Inland, National and World Championships in the Topper Class.

Again Calum was training down south over the weekend but his dad, Neil Rosie, was there to collect his trophy from Guy Dale Smith, Head of Marine for Caledonian MacBrayne.

The final celebration of the night was for news received all the way from Miami. Luke Patience originally from Rhu but now based down in Weymouth with the GB Sailing Team won gold in the 470 class with Elliot Willis at the World Cup Regatta in Miami. Their gold medal was one of the eight medals won at the regatta from the GB Team.