Local sailor Jamie Calder from Balerno will receive one of youth sailings most prominent awards in the New Year, the RYA Scottish Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011, in recognition of the brilliant results he has achieved in the sport in 2011.
Jamie is the youngest Scottish sailor to have secured a place on the Optimist World Championships team which will see him travel to New Zealand early next year. He also placed third at the British Optimist Nationals earlier this year. He receives complete support from his parents who have helped him to grasp all opportunities offered to him with both hands. His attitude and demeanour whilst he is training and racing make him a refreshing young sailor to work with.
Jamie will be in New Zealand at the Optimist World Championships so is unable to attend the award ceremony but when asked for his reaction to winning the award he gave the following comments, “I am delighted to receive this award after a great season in my Optimist. Qualifying for the GBR Team for the Optimist World Championships, finishing 3rd at the UK National Championships and winning the End of Season Championships has made this a very special year. I really appreciate RYA recognising my achievement and RYA Scotland for their continued support”.
On Saturday 07 January at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, RYA Regional Award winners from all over the UK will come together for a VIP day out at the show including the eagerly anticipated awards ceremony at which they will receive their trophy.
The RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year awards recognise the outstanding impact young people have made to UK boating, whether it’s on the race course, at their club, overcoming adversity or through an exceptional achievement.
RYA Chief Executive Sarah Treseder says, “Winning an RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year Award is a fantastic achievement and I am delighted to recognise the talent of these people and the dedication they show for our sport.”
“Awards such as this highlight the fact that so many young sailors are out there on the water enjoying themselves and achieving brilliant things.”