Blackwater Sailing Club Celebrates Excellence at the East Anglian Maritime Awards
by Gay Ayton 14 Feb 15:57 GMT
Blackwater SC members (L-R) Jess Haigh, Steve Jarred, Lucy Shelter, Jenny Tolhurst at EAMA awards © BSC
The Blackwater Sailing Club (BSC) is proud to announce that three of its members have been honoured in the East Anglian Maritime Awards scheme (EAMA); Jess Haigh and Lucy Shelter in the Proficiency category and Steve Jarred awarded the Young at Heart.
This scheme is a unique opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of young people who participate in maritime activities emphasising voluntary and local community participation. The awards are given in four categories - conservation, proficiency, resilience, and water safety.
Working together on the BSC Cadet Committee 2023/24, Jess Haigh (18) Commodore and Lucy Shelter (18) Secretary, encouraged young trainee cadets, coached competitive teenagers as well as taught adult beginner sailors to realise their potential and really enjoy time on the water. As both are also accomplished RYA Race Coaches and RYA Dinghy Instructors, their expertise and energy is contagious and their ability to remain calm whilst teaching under 10s, stroppy and overconfident teenagers or adults developing self-confidence and balance is inspiring; skills that will stand them in good stead for their future.
This impressive duo also race dinghies competitively excelling at Feva XL Nationals, the 420 Nationals and in 2023 climbing the national rankings up to #23, reaching their peak representing GBR at the 2023 420 Worlds in Alicante.
Steve Jarred was made a lifetime Honorary Cadet by the BSC cadets in 2024 in appreciation of his longstanding support, coaching, sailing proficiency and race technique. A competitive and accomplished sailor himself for over 55 years, Steve continues to pass on his love of sailing and top tips for racing success in the changeable and challenging tidal conditions of the River Blackwater. As RYA Dinghy Instructor and Race Coach he has responsibility for coaching budding racers in single-handed boats and when BSC Sailing School Principal spent many hours fixing boats for trainees to use.
Sheena Berney, Commodore of The Blackwater Sailing Club said: "Many congratulations all. Jess and Lucy, this award is a great testament to your boundless enthusiasm, passion and unwavering commitment - Steve, a consistent presence and inspiration on and off the water to so many cadets over the years - Young at Heart is a wonderfully fitting tribute, we thank you."
For further information about visiting and joining the Club, contact membership secretary membership-secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk
Or visit www.blackwatersailingclub.org.uk