Cowes Sailability Club recognised the achievements of members and volunteers at its annual laying-up supper
Left to right: Sarah Grainger, Toby Moore and Christine Smyth
Cowes Sailability Club announced the winners of its 2022 Achievement Awards during a ‘laying-up supper’ to mark the end of the sailing season. Presented annually, these trophies recognise the dedication, enthusiasm and accomplishments of volunteers and members, both on and off the water.
Toby Moore was the deserving recipient of the award for best sailor. He joined the club this year, shortly after moving to the island with his family, and has quickly built his confidence and developed new skills sailing in Cowes Sailability Club’s Drascombe sailing boats.
“Toby is autistic and non-verbal, but doesn’t let this hold him back!” says his dad Gary Moore. “Sailing gives him a little bit of responsibility and he has a lot of fun out in the sea air, so it is good for his mental health. Since joining Cowes Sailability Club, Toby has been learning how to handle a different type of sailing boat and work with other people as part of a crew.”
Christine Smyth, who began volunteering with Cowes Sailability Club this year, received the award for best on-shore volunteer. She attends regularly and does whatever is needed, from welcoming members and putting on lifejackets to making cups of tea and helping with fundraising. She has a great, positive attitude and is a friendly and cheerful presence on sailing days.
Another new member, Sarah Grainger, was named as best on-the-water volunteer for 2022. She joined the club in the spring and became more and more confident as the season progressed. Every week she stepped up to the challenge and crewed the sailing boats with great enthusiasm and expertise.
During the event, Cowes Sailability Club’s Commodore, Roger Sutton, also thanked Judy Wyatt and Jenny Clune for their invaluable help and presented them both with boxes of biscuits. “It is always very difficult to single out particular volunteers for awards each year, as all our volunteers make a huge contribution to the running of the club,” he says. “I am very grateful to all the volunteers who give up their time to support our members, helm and crew boats, raise funds and maintain our equipment. Everyone who volunteers helps to make a real difference to the lives of people who have disabilities and challenging health conditions.”
The laying-up supper took place at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club and was catered by Sally Cass from the Duke of York pub. The event was organised by volunteers Mike and Chris Bull and attended by over 40 people. “It was a wonderful evening and a great opportunity for members and volunteers to relax and enjoy each other’s company,” says Mike Bull. “Chris and I would like to say a huge thank you to Sally for, once again, providing a delicious meal for everyone.”