US sailor Kerry Gruson takes Liz Earle Ladies Day top honour
by Peta Stuart-Hunt 8 Aug 2008 13:17 BST
7 August 2008
Kerry Gruson wins the 2008 Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy at Skandia Cowes Week © Rick Tomlinson / onEdition
A Miami based yachtswoman, Kerry Gruson, has been awarded the 2008 Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy at Skandia Cowes Week at a glittering ceremony held last night.
Ladies Day is an initiative that was introduced by the regatta organisers three years ago to celebrate the achievements and contribution of women in sailing. At the Awards ceremony held last night at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Dame Ellen MacArthur presented Kerry with the exquisite Isle of Wight Glass Trophy.
Kerry’s condition, termed Anoxia (a lack of oxygen to the brain after being strangled by a Vietnam veteran), has left her with paralysis in the legs and arms requiring her to use a wheelchair for mobility on land. While sailing a boat, Kerry uses a specially designed seat that provides the trunk stability necessary to sail in various wind conditions.
Competing in her third Skandia Cowes Week this year, racing a Sonar, Kerry continues her focus on overcoming her own disabilities and the additional element of recovery from cancer. She is a living illustration of joy and courage in sailing - a highly deserving winner of the Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy.
The four additional shortlisted nominees included Louise Morton, Sam Davies, Hilary Lister and Katie Miller. Details of all nominees are available on skandiacowesweek.co.uk as published earlier in the week.