News - 2012

13:07 Thursday 16 Aug 2012 Ladies Day Trophy nominees

Louise Morton, 2010 winner of the Ladies Day Trophy, seen here racing here Quarter Tonner, Espada.

Ladies Day, in association with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation, was first introduced in 2006 to champion the role of women in sailing and to celebrate the number of female competitors.

The main focus of the Ladies Day celebrations is the presentation of the Ladies Day Trophy, which is taking place at a reception at the Talisker Boathouse, Cowes Yacht Haven at 1730 today.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution, commitment, or achievement of women in sailing – from the Corinthian sailor and those overcoming difficulties in order to succeed in sailing, to those who have undertaken remarkable challenges.

The Ladies Day Trophy winner is selected by means of a nomination process through a judging panel, which includes Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson OBE, Yachting World’s Elaine Bunting, Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation CEO, Sue Tibbals, and Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Sales & Marketing Director Michelle Warner.

2012 nominees

• Pip Hare – an outstanding sailor, regardless of gender, with a tenacious spirit chasing her racing and sailing dream whilst setting an example to so many sailors and aspiring skippers. Sailors of all ages and so many backgrounds are enthused by the understated success of her adventures. She is a very fine sailor and a credit to the sport.
  
  
• Karen Rawson – has sailed all her life and is an inspiration. Through her leadership and guidance she has supported personal and professional development at Sunsail UK, having trained over 30 Cruising Instructors in the past two years.
  
  
• Annie O’Sullivan – started Girls For Sail in 1999 with the aim of encouraging women onto the water to sail. Having had a difficult experience trying to get accepted in a very male dominated environment, it spurred her on to ensure women had every opportunity to participate in the sport that she loves. She is passionate about getting women of all ages sailing safely while having maximum fun.
  
  
• Samantha Flint – has worked every hour of every day restoring a Sonata and missing out on things as a result. At weekends she runs the Herts youth sailing squad - all this whilst holding-down a full-time job.
  
  
• Sally Everitt – has been a member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club for over 30 years. She has run the cadets, adult sailing and the Onboard Academy as well as being the Squib class captain and the National Squib Honouree Membership Secretary. This year, Sally is helming and coordinating the Adult Sailing Squibs to ensure that even inexperienced new sailors can compete and sail in Cowes Week.

The award ceremony this afternoon is presented by Shirley Robertson, with Jenny Price – CEO Sport England, and Sarah Treseder – CEO Royal Yachting Association, among those in attendance.

Other sporting guests at the award ceremony this afternoon include Lucy Rivers Bulkeley who completed the Four Desert Challenge, Shelley Jory, British Powerboat Champion, and Julia Immonen the record breaking rower who crossed the Atlantic earlier this year. Former Ladies Day winners Gavia Wilkinson-Cox, Kerry Gruson, Louise Morton, and Tina Scott will also be in attendance.