Captain's Prizegiving Report for 2023
Captain's Prize Giving 4 November 2023 Report
Hosted by Niall Parkes Acting Captain and RTC Principal John Lewis
| John Lewis - Summary | |
| Across 2023 we delivered AI Training / Club Race officer / RIB WOW refresher / PB Refresher / PBL2 Courses, SB course. Unfortunately, Discover Sailing did not introduce many new members or juniors for two weeks of beginners courses. We had lower than usual no.s for 3 weeks of YSS courses and 1 Start racing. We were unable to gain availability / traction from SIs for an Adult Sailing course. That said our core of junior sailors made great progress. We confirmed 4 x AIs in house. Achievements as Instructors, Coaches and courses as follows: | |
| 1 x RYA Senior Instructor: Michael Rock 2 x RYA Race Coach L2: Holly McConnell & Daniel Corbett 4 x RYA Assistant Instructors: Olivia Delaney, Alita Taylor, Calum Pollard, Luke Simpson | |
| RYA Youth Sailing Scheme | |
| Stage 1 = 4 | Progress towards next stages of YSS = 7 |
| RYA Stage 2 = 3 | |
| RYA Stage 3 = 7 | |
| RYA Stage 4 = 1 | |
| RYA YSS = Total of 15 | |
| RYA Start Racing = 3 | Progress towards Start Racing = 4 |
| RYA PowerBoat L2 = 4 (April 23) | Paula Connolly - CAYC Olivia McGarry - CSBC | Lucy Clements Past Member / External Fredrick Houlker External |
| RYA Powerboat L2 External | Wavelength course at Carrickfergus | Alita Taylor, Olivia & Ryan Delaney |
| RYA Safety Boat = 8 (October) | Darryl Redmond, Mike Halliday, Holly MCConnell | Robert Geraghy, Stephen Tate, Lagan Search & Rescue Drew, Dave, Alan from BLS |
| RYA Powerboat L2 27-29Oct | Matthew Tweed, Elliott McKeegan | Rowan McConkey, Luke Simpson |
| RYA Powerboat L2 Part 1 27 & 30 Oct | Due to Sailing schedule, successfully completed so far with to come for Rory and Calum. | |
I have mentioned how proud we are of our junior Sailors
However, we would be remiss not to mention many others, Junior, Youth, U25 and Adult Sailors achievements.
| Members of CAYC are fantastic ambassadors with many moving in the wider spheres of sailing. Names you will be familiar with: | ||
| Junior Youth U25 Transitions Ellen Barbour teamed up as crew 49er with Irish Sailing Campaigning for 2028 Jenna Reid also 49er IS training squad Daniel Corbett raced the Waszp and keel boats Rory Pollard transitioned to ILCA 6 | Calum Pollard - Transition to Topper 5.3 Luke Simpson Topper 5.3 transitioned after an extremely successful season at the tail end into ILCA 4. More details on his results to follow. | Travellers, Nationals and for some Worlds and Provincials across UK, Ireland and Europe. Extensive training and travelling by all. |
| Adults at Competitive Events Jocelyn Hill & Emily Hill RS200 / RS400 Bryan Willis & John McPeake Flying15 David McFarland & Rose White VX1 Gavin Pollard and "Team Pollard" in Sports boats too | Detail RS Travellers and over all 1st RS200 series Flying15 events and Classic Regatta wins | Ellen McCarlie Keel Boat success with James Waugh in Palma. Daniel & Jenna also crewing on keelboat - Elixir. Apologies to those we may have missed |
As a RTC and RYA affiliated Club
| Awareness Earlier this year a submission was made for RYA Outstanding Contribution Award for contribution over 10 years as a RYA Powerboat and Senior Sailing Instructor and as our Safety officer at CAYC & additionally supporting BLS and becoming their RYA Training Centre Principal | Richard Robinson |
| RYA Rediscover Day & Discover Sailing Day & Kayaking | Re-ignited a small number of youth sailors back into the activity for 2023, this worked well. An average to good attendance of bookings on Sailing and Kayaking. Membership engagement and format worked well in spending time with visitors in a more structured programme. However, a little disappointing on attracting new junior or Family members |
| RYA Race Coaching theory/on the water Sail Training | Thanks to Daniel Corbett, Ellen Barbour, Holly McConnell Sheela Lewis. Adhoc as Gavin pops out in rubber duck too. Thanks to Kate for sail training, although the weather was often not aligned to when we did have resources which limited the programme at weekends. Too much or too little wind! |
| RYA Instructors PB & Safety Boat training section Youth Sailing Scheme Powerboat L2 & Safety boat courses. | Summer courses - Michael Rock, Jenna Reid, Holly McConnell, Daniel Corbett, Emily Hill, Caitlan MacManus, Charlie O'Malley & Louise Leonard) Rory Pollard, Calum Pollard, Luke Simpson, Olivia Delaney, Alita Taylor. Ryan Delaney. Total 14 Instructors and helpers were all paid on these courses. Sheela, Heather and Kate in April - all volunteered their time, no fees taken assisting in the funds to maintain our Safety boat fleet for Events and Training. Also increasing our Members workforce with appropriately training volunteers. Skippy, Sheela, Kate, John(myself), Colin - Oct / November - they all volunteered their time and we appreciated also volunteer sailors Luke Simpson and Olivia Delaney. To recognise this significant input of Instructor volunteer time John invited Kate, Heather and Colin to come forward to take receipt of our thanks for their support on particularly the RYA PBL2 and Safety Boat courses in the last 12 months |
| Our Volunteers inside and outside of Club support the larger events too | Race Management Team NRO - Sheela, with support from Michelle, Greg, Anneke, Steffi, Jenny, Claire Pollard, Ann, Kate. Roles, Timekeeper, sound and flag signalling, scribing Events - Topper Traveller, Topper Northerns, Topper Nationals, BLS - Regatta and our own 3 day F15 event Mark Layers and Safety/Support RIBs Skippy, Simon, Gavin, Shane, Mike, Ross, Kate and many many others. CV - Rory McKenna with his lovely ELAN made it possible for us to deliver the FF Event. Rory continues to work away behind the scenes to maintain Club Boats and RIBs. CV David Mitchell for the Topper Traveller Event. |
| As we closed out our summer season the fruits of everyone's labour came to the fore. As Juniors had either their own boats or leased or hired Club Toppers, the Club had a fantastic representation at The RYA NI Youth Champs. Proud to recognise the following 13 sailors who attended RYA NI Youth Champs winning races, main fleets and regatta fleets, some for the first time and achieved overall performance 2nd Club after BYC Results were published. | |
John also covered off the significant completion that has taken place for Juniors at provincial, National and world stage.
RECOGNITION AWARDs as FOLLOWS
| In 2023 the following young sailor received M&EA Junior Award, *** RYA NI & Irish Sailing Awards - Calum Pollard was shortlisted in the Young sailor of the year.*** *** Mid & east Antrim - MEA Sports Awards 2023 - Junior Sportsperson of the year celebrating his 2022 successes: ITCA 4.2 World Champion, 4.2 Irish Champion and 2021/22 Topper 4.2 Series Champion *** Calum transitioned from the 4.2 to the larger 5.3 sail and my goodness "hit the ground running!" He achieved Gold Fleet qualification at the Worlds 2023 Topper Traveller - SLYC - Calum Pollard 3rd overall and 2nd Junior Calum Pollard was 48th having made the Gold Fleet in the 5.3 Topper. Irish Topper Nationals 7-9 July : Calum Pollard also found success in achieving: 3rd Junior Male at the weekend in the Topper 5.3. Overall 20th in the fleet of 60 dinghies. Topper Southern Champs in Wexford Calum Pollard, 3rd Junior Male. Topper Traveller - Calum Pollard 3rd overall, 2nd Junior, Topper Northern Championship - Calum Pollard, 7th overall and 3rd Junior male. So we present him with the Duff Challenge cup in recognition of this very successful season. | Calum Pollard | DUFF CHALLENGE CUP |
| Recongition Awards | Sailor / Boating /General | |
| The Junior Cup goes once again this year to this individual in recognition of significant development and travel all around Ireland, to Worlds in Cork, then Wales. He qualified for Gold Fleet, finished 6th overall. Topper British Nationals - Luke Simpson 3rd overall. 1st Junior Male Topper Worlds - Luke Simpson was 6th overall, Irish Topper Nationals 7-9 July : 3rd overall, 2nd Youth Male in the fleet of 60 dinghies. overall 1st place Champion in the Topper 5.3 Irish Series. Topper Southern Champs in Wexford 1st overall for Luke Simpson Topper Traveller - Skerries - 2nd overall and 1st Male for Luke Simpson Topper Traveller - CAYC - 1st Place for Luke Simpson, Topper Northern Championship - CSC - Luke Simpson 2nd overall and 1st Youth Male, Topper Winters at Lough Derg - 1st overall for Luke Simpson | Luke Simpson | AULD CUP (Memorial Challenge) |
| Finally a note on couple of successes going from 2023 into 2024. | ||
| Recognition that both Rory and Calum have been successfully confirmed as part of the RYA NI Performance Pathway Squad- ILCA and Topper respectively. Congrats to both, they work hard and our conscientious in terms of sport and study. We 'll hear more on this with regard to Club racing shortly | ||
PART 2 Niall Parkes with Joanne assisting.
Spring Points Series no Sponsor
| Place | Helm / Crew | Prize | |
| Laser /PY Fleet | 1st | Jenny Lewis | Ladies Sailing Trophy Perpetual Challenge Bowl & Glass |
| Laser /ILCA7 | 2nd | John Lewis | Bottle of White Wine |
| Laser 2000 | 3rd | Johnny Hamilton & Virgina McVea | Glass |
| Topper | 1st | Luke Simpson | Commodore's Cup & Gold Medal |
Opening Day F15 Class
| Place | Helm / Crew | Prize | |
| Flying Fifteen Fleet | 1st | Rory McKenna & Marion Graham | Ladies Committee Trophy & Glass |
Early Sunday Series Sponsored by Pragmatic Insights
Early Wednesday Series no Sponsor
| Place | Helm | Prize | |
| Flying 15 | 1st | Stephen Foster & Richard Henning | Bottle of Red wine |
| PY / ILCA6 | 1st | Rory Pollard | Laser Perpetual Rose Bowl & Gold Medal |
| PY / ILCA7 | 2nd | Steven Canning | Glass |
Late Sunday Series Ewing's Belfast Fishmongers
| Place | Helm | Prize | |
| Flying15 | 1st | Stephen Foster & Richard Henning | Calwell Cup & Glass |
| Flying15 | 2nd | On equal points with 1st place Charley Brown Crew Colin Daysh & Ann Woods | 2 x Glasses |
| 1st | Rory Pollard | Sailing Committee Trophy & Rooster Dry Bag | |
| Laser /ILCA6 | 2nd | Jenny Lewis | Glass |
| Laser / ILCA6 | 3rd | Jonathan Wilson | Glass |
| Topper | 1st | Calum Pollard | Landsmen's Cup & gold medal |
| Topper | 2nd | Aoife Pollard | Silver Medal |
| Topper | 3rd | Matthew Tweed | Silver Medal |
Late Wednesday Series Sponsored by Cleaver & Steel Butchers
| Place | Helm/Crew | Prize | |
| Flying15 | 1st | Ronnie Foster Claire Foster-Sharpe & Maurice Porter | Yachtsmen's Cup & 2 Glasses |
| Flying 15 (Silver Fleet) | Silver Fleet | Ross Fielden & Jen Fielden/ Mike Halliday | Silver Fleet Flying Fifteen Plaque & 2 Glasses |
| Laser/ILCA7 | 1st | John Lewis | Bottle of White Wine |
| Laser /ILCA6 | 2nd | Rory Pollard | Silver Medal |
| Topper | 1st | Calum Pollard | Gold Medal |
| Topper | 2nd | Ben Simpson | Silver Medal |
Regatta Day - Sponsored by Tweeds
| Sheela Lewis & Ann Woods | McCalmont Trophy (Regatta Day) |
Autumn Series Sponsored DJ Systems
| Place | Helm/Crew | Prize | |
| PY Fleet - ILCA6 | 1st | Rory Pollard | Rooster Gloves |
| Topper 5.3 | 1st | Calum Pollard | Rooster Beanie |
| Topper to Laser | Matthew Tweed | CAYC Regatta Shield in recognition of this during Autumn Series. |
| Volunteer Recognition Additional General thanks to all Committee members | |
| Co-ordination roles throughout the season of duty roles, supporting sailing and PB in every form Volunteer cover including :
including resources for mark laying and Refreshments adds up to significant hrs of service into the Club | All the member volunteers in manning Safety boats and RO's in the Battery for every points series. Particularly the Sailing Committee members who attend each month and keep activities on track and club resources maintained. Regatta Day Steven Canning and all of the Team (Extra thanks on Project manager of Boiler) Crystal Whiskey Glass with Club logo 1st Officer Shane for managing the Slip Rota, backing up Safety cover as required. hat strap & buff? 2nd Officer Ross is always on hand to assist. Flask and XL Gloves and all who keep the slip clean it's a difficult task and much appreciated To ensure it is safe for all our activities. Marion and volunteer Teams on catering at Events Topper, Regatta, BBQ Waterfest, Flying15 pre and post racing. Rory McKenna Committee Vessel for 3 days Flying Fifteen Event. (Not in attendance) |
| Flying Fifteen Event M&EA Support Regatta Tweeds Waterfest SPAR, NIHE, Clanmil etc all volunteers | Huge thanks to all volunteers and particularly our sponsors profits are directed back into the Club. E.g. over £1K from FF into Boiler project Covering the Racing to onshore refreshments everyone doing their bit. Supported by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council which helps us cover the expenditures Clanmil / NIHE |
| Now some recognition to those young sailors that have not received a prize of award this evening, but who are very much part of the Junior Team and who have contributed to this season, as AIs or helpers, or developing their racing skills Medals for each 2023 Junior Sailing Team | |
| Lucy Maxwell, Ben Halliday, Sara Halliday | Joel Parkes, Grace Hasler, Isaac McConkey |
| Alita Taylor, Olivia Delaney | Ryan Delaney, Rowan McConkey, |
| Finally some awards to be made that in many ways represent what the Club has achieved over the season. Development of Juniors and the fun they have had. | |
| Ben Simpson significant progress from undertaking YSS stage 1 last year to achieving YSS 2&3. Racing this latter half of the season and winning the Regatta Fleet at RYA Youth Champs. Ben has encouraged his friends to go sailing too | Ian Maxwell Trophy |
| Lucy Maxwell - she has made great progress and always with a smile or with great concentration expressed ! Lucy is one of many who attended the Youth Champs and ultimately Lucy is always cheerful so what better trophy to be awarded The Roger Kernaghan trophy. | Jolly Roger Trophy |
| Ben Halliday He completed his stage1 this summer. Although a novice, Ben has been brave enough and keen to go solo sailing in a Topper and enjoyed these experiences. Ben is also a superb volunteer onshore as seen at the Discover sailing, Summer BBQ and other Club activities. He's a real credit to his family. He and they can be so proud of his achievements. | Robert Auld Cup (BRAVERY CUP) |
| Special Award 2023 to Sheela Lewis Niall to present | 2018 Gavin & Claire Pollard 2019 Llenore Coles 2020 N/A Pandemic 2021 Kate Delaney 2022 Steffi Lewis 2023 Sheela Lewis Diane Todd Memorial Cup |
| Finally Niall's personal recognition of others and/or fun prizes. | See Slides & Photos |
Last updated 15:44 on 15 November 2023
