2015 Ilovesailing Calendar – Final two spots secured

by RYA on 25 Aug 2015 The final two places on the ilovesailing calendar have now been filled completing the line-up for the 2016 calendar.

Iain Philpott from Churt in Surrey and Natalia Gamarra from Florida in the United States clinched the final two spots on the 2016 calendar from amongst the 61 August entries that ranged from stunning sun rises and sun sets to dizzying heights at the top of a mast and tranquil landscapes of some beautiful sailing locations.

“Our final two winners complete a stunning line up of photos for the 2016 calendar”, commented Emma Slater, ilovesailing co-ordinator.

“For the third year running we have been overwhelmed with how popular the competition has been and the quality of images we received. It really has been very tough for the judges choosing just two winners each month but I think we’ve managed to get a set of photos that really showcase what it is we all love about sailing no matter where we are in the world.”

When asked about his win Iain commented: 'It is just fantastic to be selected as a winner - I'm thrilled for the kids (Alex Philpott/Jess D'arcy) in the photo. They have been part of the RYA Junior and Youth programme since they were eight, aiming to become part of the Potential Podium Squad. I think the photo being chosen is a fantastic reflection of RYA youth sailing. Junior and Youth sailing has to be the very bedrock of sailings future so the continued incredible support of the RYA is essential.

“It was taken when Alex and Jess were competing at the SL16 Worlds in July 2015 in St Tropez. Six GBR boats went as part of their RYA Selector Series for selection to Team GBR for the ISAF Youth Worlds Dec 2015 in Malaysia. Alex and Jess finished top GB boat. The pic was shot from a RIB on a Canon 5Dmk2, Canon 400mm lens.”

While Natalia explained more about her photo entitled ‘Blue Angels’: “I feel so lucky to have our shot chosen, it was snapped by Kevin Welsh a long time surf photographer, sailboat broker, and friend. We were out watching the Blue Angels perform at the Melbourne Air Show, we decided the best seats would on the water while going for a day sail in the Indian River. The sun was shining, winds were 15 knots, and the air show was happening right above our mast as fighter jets zipped in and out of our view between our sails. I was transported to the peace and tranquillity of being in the water with only the force of the wind and was reminded of my love for pure sailing back home in Hawaii.”

Iain and Natalia will now join their fellow winners at a prize giving event to be held at the Southampton Boat Show, Saturday 12 September in the RYA Members’ Lounge (14.00) where they will collect the reminder of their prizes; a copy of the 2016 calendar, a canvas print of their winning photo and a selection of RYA goodies to add to their green ilovesailing duck and two tickets to the boat show.

“The calendar competition is a great way to showcase the amazing boating pictures people take either professionally or just when they are snapping away on holidays or on sailing adventures. I feel privilege that all our entrants choose to share their photos with us. Without them it would be a pretty rubbish competition so thanks to everyone who took part”, Emma added.

The final calendar competition winners are:
Phil Jackson, Poole, Dorset
Mike Bowden, Felixstowe, Suffolk
Jane Green, Ilminster, Somerset
Mark Yuill, Westgate on Sea, Kent
Adam Willmott, London
Deb Degge, Redditch, Worcestershire
Steve Belasco (x2), Portesham, Dorset
Oliver Southgate, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Essex
Gordon Knight, Lymington, Hampshire
Iain Philpott, Churt, Surrey
Natalia Gamarra, Florida, USA