Please select your home edition
Edition
Armstrong 728x90 - Performance Mast Range - TOP

OnBoard Development Officers acknowledged in Southampton

by Susie NationGrainger on 10 Nov 2012
From left to right Tom Davenport, Jon Sweet and Sam Rowe. RYA http://www.rya.org.uk
The excellent achievement and dedication of three of the RYA’s OnBoard Development Officers (ODOs), who strive to introduce youngsters to sailing and windsurfing, was acknowledged this week (Tuesday 6th November) at the annual OnBoard conference dinner held at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

Paul Childs from RS Sailing presented the 2012 RS Sailing RYA OnBoard Awards. The three special awards which were presented for Performance, Commitment and Innovation were presented to officers who have gone the extra mile working for the RYA OnBoard scheme.

Picking up the award for commitment was Jon Sweet, OnBoard Officer for Northamptonshire. This year Jon has enthusiastically accepted the challenge to extend his OnBoard patch to North Warwickshire despite his heavy work schedule. He has supported Middle Nene SC to become a recognised RYA Training Centre and has inspired OnBoard sailors to progress into racing by introducing a rookie fleet at the Anglian Water Series.

The Innovation Award was won by Birmingham’s Tom Davenport for his pilot project to encourage regular sailing at Birmingham University which secured £10,000 of Sport England funding. Tom also helped to sell sailing and windsurfing into the School Games project.

'It feels amazing to have been given an award this evening. I really enjoy my job and I do it to get more kids into sailing because of everything that they get from it. To be recognised for that is just amazing' said Tom.

The final award for performance was awarded to Sam Rowe who oversees the active area of Kent and Sussex. Sam is an enthusiastic member of the team, and has worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to help the clubs in his area to grow their numbers of regular youth sailors.

Cat Ferguson, RYA OnBoard Operations Officer said: '2012 has been another fantastic year for the OB Programme and we are delighted to recognise the hard work and commitment of these ODOs.

'This year we have introduced over 50,000 more youngsters to the sport and this would not have been possible had it not been for the commitment and innovative ideas that these ODO’s provide'.

Run by the RYA, OnBoard is a grass roots programme which introduces sailing and windsurfing to young people aged eight to 18, through schools, youth groups and training centres.

Over a ten year period OnBoard aims to introduce a minimum of 500,000 children to sailing and windsurfing in the UK, converting over 10% of them into regular participants. So far it’s nicely on track.

For more information about how to get involved in sailing visit the RYA’s website or the OnBoard website.
Allen Dynamic 40 FooterMackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMSelden 2020 - FOOTER

Related Articles

Conversation with Ben Willows: CEO RS Marine Group
Some people's passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it's woven into their DNA There are some people whose passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it's woven into their DNA. Ben Willows is one of those people.
Posted today at 7:00 pm
101st Bayview Mackinac Race starts on Saturday
A massive fleet of 183 monohulls and 9 multihulls will set off to race entire length of Lake Huron It is one day to go, and the fleet is assembled in Port Huron before the start of the 101st Bayview Mackinac Race, organized by the Bayview Yacht Club and presented by National Fleet Services.
Posted today at 6:15 pm
International Moth Worlds at Lake Garda Day 4
Balanger dominates qualifying, storm cuts Gold fleet racing short Day four of the 2025 Moth World Championship opened at dawn with another early start for the 137 athletes from 25 nations competing on Lake Garda.
Posted today at 5:47 pm
iQFOiL Worlds in Aarhus overall
Thrilling Medal Series closes out a spectacular week of high-stakes foiling in Denmark The 2025 iQFOiL World Championship wrapped up in Aarhus with a spectacular Medal Series showdown that saw Emma Wilson (GBR 7) and Andy Brown (GBR 360) rise to the top and secure World Championship titles.
Posted today at 5:37 pm
Rolex Fastnet Race IRC Three preview
This has produced the overall winner of two of the last six editions IRC Three may consist of smaller, slower and in some cases older boats than those that will garner headlines in the first couple of days of the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Posted today at 4:12 pm
Zhik Nordic Youth Sailing Championship preview
This year's regatta will be the largest of its kind ever hosted in Tallinn Tallinna Yacht Club brings one of the biggest sports events of the summer to Haven Kakumäe - 300 young sailors expected at the Zhik Nordic Youth Sailing Championship, plus just as many supporters on shore!
Posted today at 3:00 pm
18th Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona day 1
Opening victories and nautical splendor This week, Barcelona once again takes center stage in the world of classic sailing as the 18th edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica gets under way. The opening day delivered ideal conditions for a spectacular display on the water.
Posted today at 12:28 pm
Rolex Fastnet Race: IRC Two Preview
With 73 entries in IRC Two, the Rolex Fastnet Race is set to deliver a striking display. Could two new JPK 1050s upset the apple cart in IRC Two? Jean-Pierre Kelbert has a habit of breaking the mould in IRC racing, and his new 34-footer may well be a game changer in this competitive division with 73 entries.
Posted today at 10:36 am
Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay overall
Tight Racing and Tactical Brilliance The final day of the 2025 Edinburgh Cup brought sunshine, shifting breeze, and two exciting races that kept the championship wide open until the very last run.
Posted today at 8:13 am
Seldén Rodkicker 50 - manual rigid vang
Specifically sized for yachts between 50 and 55 feet A Rodkicker rigid vang is designed to enhance sail handling during reefing and allows for greater sail trim control.
Posted today at 8:00 am