Cheers to 2024 – A Year of Sail, Smiles & Standing Ovations!

What an incredible year 2024 has been for Blind Sailing UK! From adrenaline-filled training weekends to international championships, inclusive keelboat events, and countless unforgettable moments on and off the water—this year has been another great year.

And none of it would’ve happened without you—our dedicated sailors, phenomenal volunteers, behind-the-scenes heroes, and generous sponsors. You are the wind in our sails, the hands on the lines, and the laughter at the end of a long race. Thank you.

This weekend, we wrapped up the year in style at our Annual Awards, a chance to reflect, recognize, and most importantly—celebrate. Here's a roundup of the night’s highlights and some well-deserved applause for our shining stars:

🏆 The Ian Cormack Cup

For the person who always goes the extra mile—with a smile.

Runner-Ups:💫 Gary Lowe & Daryl Sholem – Always first to offer help, whether it’s rigging boats, hauling gear, or quietly keeping everything ticking behind the scenes. Bonus points for always smiling while doing it!

Winner:🥇 Steve Tylecote – Steve came aboard with passion and purpose, jumping in with coaching, sharing knowledge, running extra training, and always eager to learn from the team. A true asset from day one!

🏆 The Helen Walsh Trophy

For unwavering service and support off the water.

Runner-Ups: Pat Neil – As treasurer, Pat’s calm, organized brilliance means we’re ready to go anywhere, anytime.🫶 Jackie Featherstone – Event after event, Jackie is our second mum—always there with a kind word, a warm coat, and a steady hand, stays in the background but is always there when needed.

Winner:🏆 David Wilkins – From ribs to race boats to two International Inclusive Keelboat events—David does it all. Even when facing health challenges, he never stopped working. That’s dedication on another level.

🏆 The Charley Findlay Youth Award

For young leaders making a big impact.

Winner:🌟 Sarah Featherstone – Thrown in at the deep end, she rose with grace and confidence—offering support and encouragement to new sailors, especially those finding their sea legs for the first time.

Special Mention:🌈 Jessica Cormack – Through her work with the Outlook Trust, Jessica brings joy, confidence, and plenty of giggles to young VI sailors, taking after her dad.

😂 The Wooden Spoon

For those gloriously funny, facepalm-worthy moments we’ll never forget.

Nominees:🚆 Martin Phillips – Managed to travel five hours past Stansted Airport by train.🖐️ Gary Butler – Nearly took off a finger during a “safety moment.”🗺️ Daryl Sholem – Trusting his satnav so deeply it led him on an 8-hour detour to Rutland.

Winner:🥄 Jonny Cormack – For confidently finishing a race... at the spectator boat! Who needs a committee boat anyway?

Dennis Manning We also remembered Dennis one of the most legendary blind sailors, Dennis sadly passed after a long battle with cancer. Lucy and Martin attended the funeral and it was great to see on his coffin the famous photo of him at the Worlds with Gary B and his long flowing hair.

🎉 Special Mentions & Thanks

💙 Huge shoutout to Jonny and Ian for proudly representing Blind Sailing on the international stage in France, helping the teams to two great wins.🌳 Massive thanks to ARB Tree & Garden Solutions for their monthly support—quietly making a big difference.⚓ And to our incredible sponsors—RYA Sailability, Rooster, British Gas, Rutland Sailing Club, and every single person or company who's donated, fundraised, or simply cheered us on: thank you for keeping us afloat.

To all our sailors, volunteers, friends, and families—you've made 2024 truly amazing. Whether you were tacking, training, trimming sails or simply turning up with a flask and a helping hand—you’re what makes Blind Sailing such a special community.

Here’s to 2025—more sailors on the water, more epic training, more belly laughs, and maybe just a few more questionable satnav decisions.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a New Year full of adventure, learning, and wind in your sails!