The search has begun for this season’s most inspirational young boaters with nominations now open for the RYA Musto Youth Awards, celebrating the achievement of young people in sailing, windsurfing and powerboating.
Whether it is through volunteering, adventure, coaching, instructing, Sailability or performance, the awards shine a spotlight on the resilience and achievement of young sailors and boaters across the UK.
“In the past year, many youngsters have had their ability to get out on the water reduced but this has not stopped them being involved and making a real difference in our sport,” explains RYA Programmes Manager, Michelle Gent.
“From taking qualifications, to helping their clubs get back on the water, it has been really impressive to see young people taking advantage of their circumstances to develop their skills and give back to their clubs and communities. This season it is great to see more opportunities for youngsters to get back out on the water and continue to achieve fantastic things.”
Nick Houchin, Head of Marketing at Musto said: “Musto is proud to celebrate our continued support of the RYA Musto Youth Awards, championing the grassroots pathway. This is an important platform to highlight the incredible young people in our community who make a difference and set the course for the future within our sports”.
Nominations can be made by clubs, class associations, coaches and individuals and will close on 1 November.
Each winner will receive £150 to spend at Musto and will be invited to take part in a once in a lifetime sailing experience with the British Sailing Team. Along with their families, winners will also be invited to the RYA Dinghy Show for the official awards presentation in February 2022.
Camilo Orobio (21) is currently sailing in the Etchells Class and is one of the members of the awards panel. He said: “I am thrilled to be on the panel of the RYA Musto Youth Awards for this year. There are so many young people out there achieving so much on the water, I am really looking forward to hearing all about what they are up to and the impact this is having on them and those around them”.
From the nominations received, the newly created awards panel will select 10 winners. Those nominated must have been under 19 years of age on 31 August 2021 (or under 19 on 31 December in exceptional circumstances).
For more information and to make a nomination visit www.rya.org.uk/go/youthawards
