Achievements | lrysa.org.uk

Some of our Achievements

November 2018: Hinckley and Bosworth Sport and Health Alliance SPORTS AWARDS 2018

LRYSA Wins a Special Award for their Outstanding Achievement to Sport in Leicestershire

Our Volunteer instructor, Heather Smith, wins Junior Volunteer of the Year

View full list of Winners here

25-Nov-17: LRYSA Rudolph Regatta at John Merrick’s Lake

14 young sailors aged between 8 and 17 braved the cold and the wind to enter the LRYSA Rudolph Regatta. The regatta traditionally ends the youth sailing season for the LRYSA every year.

10 members of the LRYSA Leicestershire Racing Team were joined by 4 young rookie sailors from Market Bosworth who thoroughly enjoyed the day and will be joining our regattas and racing events throughout the UK in 2018.

The trophies were presented by the LRYSA President Keith Lynch, and Chairman Colin Magee

Two fleets (Advanced & Rookie) sailed 3 races of 3 laps.

The Advanced Fleet first place trophy went to Harry Whitelegg. Harry has been winning races continuously all through 2017 and is still only 13 years old.

The Rookie Fleet first place trophy went to Harry Crane aged 11, another talented young sailor who has also shown great progress this year. Second place went to Charlie Williams, and third place to Calum Jones

Two Endeavour Awards were presented to young sailors who had shown extra courage and endeavour on the day. Hassan Khan, and Zach Aziz. Both children capsized into the freezing water at different times and after warming up went out and faced the cold and wind again to finish all three races.

Well done to everyone for a thoroughly enjoyable event and a great way to end the Season. We hope to see you all next year!!

Nov-2017: Hinckley and Bosworth Sport and Health Alliance SPORTS AWARDS 2017

The LRYSA had 3 Nominations for these prestigious awards this year. Award presentations were held at Bosworth Academy, Desford on 15th November 2017.

WINNER!! Young Volunteer of the Year: Dominic Skeat

This award is given to a young person in recognition of his or her exceptional contribution to the Borough

Dominic is a committed and hardworking young volunteer who gives his time to help train both young people and adults committing his time above and beyond what is required of him. During 2017 Dominic achieved his RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification, his Power Boat Level 1 and 2 so that he can help with safety cover, and his First Aid Certificate.

Dominic is captain of the Leicestershire and Rutland Youth racing team encouraging the best out of the team. He helps and encourages the younger members of the team especially at national competitions where many of the younger rookie team are nervous and little frightened of the massive task ahead of them racing against hundreds of sailors from all over the country. Dominic’s sense of fun and humour helps to relax and build confidence in other participating sailors. After racing is over in the evenings Dominic can be found giving extra training and tips to the team, when other sailors of his age are playing games and having fun.

Dominic is a regular and willing volunteer at weekend training at his club. Helping to train both children, and adults, and supporting other young instructors and giving them advice. During the school holidays Dominic gives his time again as a volunteer to helping to train at special week long sailing courses for new rookie sailors.

He does all this with a smile and good grace, always willing to help with training, maintenance, safety cover and general organisation of the centre. He has done all this in a year when his school exams and studying has taken a huge amount of his spare time.

Runner Up! Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Harry Whitelegg

The junior athlete whose performances have most embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement.

Harry was only 11 when he was selected for the Leicestershire Youth Racing Team, the youngest ever at the time. In 2017 when he was still only 12 years old he won first place in the Topper fleet at the National Schools Inlands Youth Sailing Championships at Draycote Water in May, competing against hundreds of other youth sailors from around the UK The weather was particularly windy and wet that day and many older sailors gave up. Harry showed real grit and battled his way to win the championships against much older sailors.

In October Harry led his team mates to win first place once again in the National Team Racing Championships at Banbury Sailing club. This year Harry has also won the Mayors Trophy Racing event, progressing from a Topper sailing dinghy to a high performance Laser Radial sailing dinghy.

It should be emphasised that Harry’s young age makes his achievements on a national level even more commendable, winning repeatedly against much older and more experienced sailors from all over the UK.

Runner Up! Club of the Year: The LRYSA

The club whose performances have most embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the LRYSA which was founded in 1967.

It has proved both challenging and rewarding because our governing body the RYA asked us to move our activities, instructors, boats, and clients from Bosworth Water Park after 20 years to John Merrick’s Lake in near Syston to develop the gap in multicultural opportunities for the East Midlands.

The change has proved beyond successful enabling us to promote and develop sections of the community we have always tried to target - the physically and mentally disabled, and the financially disadvantaged. Some of our achievements this year include ...

1) Sailability - Adult severely physically disabled: we have now increased sessions for the severely disabled to help up to 15 clients every Tuesday. We have specially adapted boats and hoists to help the severely disabled to enjoy a healthy outdoor activity. All sessions supervised and run by LRYSA volunteers.

2) The Priory School for autistic children from Hinckley: This was another innovation that proved beyond successful. 10 children enjoyed summer water sports for the first time, next year we have been asked to double the classes to 20. The school had not got the funding in their budget to finance the sailing so we raised the funds through grant money for them

3) Senior Citizens Level 1 and 2 sailing courses: Targeting the over 60’s this section of the community is often over looked. We give seniors the opportunity to learn to sail to a nationally recognised qualification in a group that is just for them, without the pressure of the general sailing courses. Many of the students have physical difficulties and can learn at their own pace. Isolation and loneliness can be overwhelming in older people. This group gives them the opportunity to make friends and socialise.

4) Leicestershire Youth Racing Team: The team has trebled in size this year compared to our old venue. Apart from the older more experienced sailors, we now have 15 new rookies ready to sail nationally next year. The team have won many successes this year representing their county Nationwide.

5) Start sailing youth groups: Up to 30 children have started to sail with us this year for the first time in our school holiday and Saturday morning children’s groups. Many are disadvantaged or live in isolated ethnic sections of the community. These activities give them the opportunity to socialise and learn how to break down barriers and make friends while learning.

6) Adult learn to sail groups on Saturdays: have again grown and expanded. Many of the adults learn to sail and then ask to progress to become instructors as part of our instructor training scheme. We have trained 3 new instructors this year who will help the LRYSA to continue to progress, creating a legacy for the future.

Oct-2017: NSSA Inland Championships 2017 at Banbury Sailing Club

Over the weekend of 7th/8th October, Banbury Sailing Club welcomed 22 teams for an incredibly successful National School Sailing Association Single Handed Team Racing competition.

Each team consisted of 3 young sailors, aged between 11 and 17. There were 128 races over 2 days held under the Wilson Swiss League format in topper dinghies.

The LRYSA entered 1 team this year - "The 3 Stooges"

Ted Ball (age 13), Harry Crane (age 10) & Harry Whitelegg (age 13)

Picture: The boys receiveing their award after winning one of their races. A truly remarkable acheivement for them when racing against Teams of children aged 16+

Sep-2017: LRYSA Mayor's Trophy Sailing Regatta

The first in the Mayor's Trophy 12 month series of sailing regattas was held at John Merrick’s Lake on Saturday, 16th September. The Regatta is open to all novice sailors who know the basic rules on the water. The aim is to enable children of all abilities to gain an experience of racing against children of similar ability and to encourage a little healthy competition.

The Mathew Fulham series held at the same time is for youngsters who's skills have advanced and have outgrown the Mayors Trophy series. Many of which have experienced a National Competition whilst representing Leicestershire's only Race Team (the LRYSA!).

The surprise winner in the Mayors Trophy was Charlie Williams in his first racing competition. Charlie (aged 12) only learned to sail this year on the LRYSA summer holiday children’s course. Second place went to Harry Crane (age 10) - a talented young sailor in his second Mayors Trophy race. Edwin Jones (age 12) took third place, a real surprise because Edwin has only been sailing for a few weeks after joining the LRYSA Saturday morning Kids Club. Obviously a natural! All the sailors in the Mayors Trophy fleet sailed in Topper Boats.

First place in the Mathew Fullham's more advanced fleet went to Josh Wain (age 13) sailing a Laser Radial. Josh was sailing in his first regatta since breaking his leg in a biking accident in the spring, which makes his achievement even more commendable. Second place went to Harry Whitelegg (age 13) and sailing a Laser Radial (Harry has been a National winner in his class previously). Third place went to Nathan Blundell and Dominic Skeat sailing The Xenon (a 2 man boat) which is a high performance boat but is difficult to sail.

The Endeavour Award, a special medal given to the sailor who has worked exceptionally hard on the day, but missed out only by a short distance was awarded to Henry Smail (aged 12) who has only been sailing since August this year.

Jul-2017: National Schools Sailing Association National Regatta 2017

The LRYSA entered the Regatta with a smaller team this year (due to holidays and other commitments) with just 7 sailors (5 Single Handers and 1 Double Hander). All of our Sailors had a wonderful time, camping all week, along with the joys of sailing, sometimes with too much wind and sometimes without any!

Read Rosie's (from the NSSA) Report here

Read the Hosts (Grafham's Water Sailing Club) Report here - showing off as to how well they have done - but that is allowed! Having hosted this event ourselves in 2015, with over 300 sailors and 150 Volunteers (most of which camped all week and also needed feeding) - we know that the event takes a huge amount of effort - well done Grafham on a great event!

more photos will follow shortly ...

NSSA Awards

NSSA High Flyer’s Award: Donated by Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (www.andrewsimpsonfoundation.org). Each Team Manager is allowed to nominate one of their Sailors who they believe have the potential to sail at a higher level than they have currently realised. The NSSA Executive Committee and the ASSF then choose sailors to attend a week’s sailing and coaching at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre in Weymouth. The week consists of a variety of sailing experiences and training from high quality coaches in a number of different boat types. Dominic Skeat (Age 17) was chosen for his potential and commitment to Sailing. Dominic has shown continued help and loyalty to the LRYSA throughout the previous 12 months, including excellent attendance to training and always being on hand to volunteer as a Junior Instructor. Dominic also demonstrates excellent sailing skills.

The Nuclear Electric Trophy: Awarded to a Volunteer at the Regatta who demonstrates a significant contribution to safety during the week. Awarded to our Principal Colin Magee. The Regatta could not go ahead without the contribution each year of many safety crews from throughout the country who give up their week each year to ensure the sailors are kept safe on the water.

LRYSA Awards (awarded each year by us to our Sailors taking part in the NSSA Regatta)

Hayward Tanker: Is awarded to the highest scoring LRYSA Sailor in the NSSA Youth Regatta 2017. Harry Whitelegg (Age 13) was 5th in a fleet of 54 Toppers

The LRYSA Presidents Shield: Donated by the LRYSA President (Keith Lynch) in 2006 is awarded for a sailor showing great Seamanship. James Beall (Age 17) was chosen by the LRYSA Principal (Colin Magee) as he was in a prime position to observe all of our sailors during the Regatta from his vantage point in one of the Safety Boats. James didn’t win a race but always scored fairly high against a fleet that was heavy with Zone Sailors (these are more serious sailors!). James demonstrated good boat handling, avoided collisions and incurred no penalties. In the Mount Haes race James helmed a double hander with his team mate, Austin. It was the first time he had ever sailed a double hander and handled it with skill in very bad weather.

The Triumph Cup: Donated by HMS Triumph in 2006 is awarded for a Sailor demonstrating great Sportsmanship. Dominic Skeat (Age 17) was chosen by the Team Manager (Tony Gill). Dominic as Team Captain really lived up to the title! All week, he made sure that his team mates were rigged and ready before he went on the water. Unfortunately, one morning this cost him 10 unfair penalty points. The Team Manager and Principal were otherwise occupied by meetings and Dominic remained on shore supervising his younger team mates. As a result Dominic was late for his race and was given the penalty points. At night he entertained the younger ones with tips and lessons on racing – well deserved Dominic!

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Jun-2017: The Third Age - some of our Seniors enjoying a relaxed morning on the lake ...

Jun-2017: Hinckley & Bosworth HBBC / VCS Partnership "Dragons Funding Den"

Although The LRYSA weren't lucky enough on this occassion to win the £750 - we did receive a Donation from The Hinckley & Rugby Building Society of £50 as a Runner-Up. Many thanks HRBS !!

May-2017: National Schools Inland Championships - Draycote Water

The LRYSA Youth Racing Team triumphed once again at the National Schools Inland championships at Draycote Water on the 27th / 28th of May 2017. Competing against hundreds of sailors from all over the country the team battled strong winds and severe weather conditions (Force 5!)

After their success last year at The National Championships where they scooped 5 of the major trophies they continued that success when Harry Whitelegg (age 12) from Hinckley took first place in the Topper fleet. Harry who attends Hastings High School is a talented and dedicated young sailor.

The Leicestershire team also took first, second and third in the rookie fleet. Ted Ball (age 12) from Hinckley took first place, Harry Crane (age 10) also from Hinckley took second and James Green third. James was the crowds favourite, aged only 8 he battled severe winds with a smile and a wave to the crowds.

The team train with the LRYSA at John Merrick’s Lake at Watermead Country Park near Syston. Under the guidance of their principal Colin Magee, and racing coach John Parry the team have proved that although they train at a small inland Lake talent and hard work will win through in the end.

Harry Whitelegg Ted Ball James Green

May-2017: RYA Push the Boat Out Event

LRYSA opened their doors as part of the national ‘have a go’ sailing festival organised by sailings governing body the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) on 13-14th and 20-21st May at John Merrick’s Lake in Watermead Country Park, Syston.

Hundreds of people enjoyed sailing for the first time across the whole of the UK. At John Merrick’s Lake people of all ages regardless of experience and ability enjoyed a day out sailing for the first time at no cost, many signed up for sailing courses and power boat courses. Families bought picnics and enjoyed their first taste of water sports.

The LRYSA offered 1 hour sessions across 2 weekends where you could be taken out onto the water by fully qualified RYA Instructors. RYA Push The Boat Out is all about getting people afloat, who might never have known there was even a chance to try sailing near them.

‘Whatever you think about sailing, Push The Boat Out will change your mind,’ Gareth Brookes, the RYA’s Midlands Regional Development Officer, explains. ‘You will be able to get out on the water with experienced sailors, who you will find to be exactly like you, in a boat that is suitable for you; whatever your age, ability or experience. This is why sailing is one of the most inclusive sports around. You might want a leisurely sail with your family; to experience something a bit more high octane, or just potter about with your partner; you do can all of this.’

Mar-2017: Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Bulletin

Our latest awards were published in this edition of the Bulletin - Sporting achievements rewarded - View the Article here

Matt Hampson Get Busy Living Award Junior awarded to Edward Green

Coach of the Year awarded to Colin Magee

Jan-2017: "Achieve with Us" - another happy Customer!!

Achieve With Us are a Community Life Choice Provider in Hinckley who support children and adults with learning difficulties

Their aim is to allow their clients to take part in mainstream activities, allowing them the opportunity to build on their independence, communication, and confidence skills.

Thanks to the LRYSA, our Volunteers and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation we were able to offer them free sailing sessions in 2016 and look forward to seeing them back in 2017 !! View their Thank You letter here

Nov-2016: Hinckley and Bosworth Sport and Health Alliance SPORTS AWARDS 2016

The LRYSA won 2 of the most prestigious awards at this event held at Desford Academy.

Edward Green aged 15 won the trophy for Young Disabled Sports Person of the year against 8 other nominations.

Edward was born with only 50% sight which from the start limited him in taking part in any sport. At an early age Edward expressed an interest in sailing, one of the most dangerous and hazardous sports, and a single discipline competing alone in many cases and not as part of a playing team.

Edward began training with the LRYSA aged 11 at Market Bosworth as part of a school group from Dixie Grammar school. From the start it was clear that Edward did not want to be any special concessions made for him choosing not to train with the easier option of the special disabled group, but progressed on rapidly showing a real talent and by the age of 12 was selected for the Leicestershire Youth Racing team sailing alone in a Topper single handed boat.

Edward has competed nationally for Leicestershire racing on the sea and inland in extreme and dangerous weather always achieving a high score. Edward quickly advanced to a high performance Laser dinghy and eventually on to one of the hardest and fastest boats in the LRYSA fleet, a Xenon double hander crewing with his friend Nathan.

In 2016 Edward competed in the National Schools Sailing Championships in Norfolk against 300 other boats and finished in the first 5. The North Sea is renowned to sailors as one of the most difficult and dangerous to sail because of the extreme weather. Edward went out every day over 5 days and because of his high score and seamanship skills was awarded the High Flyers award. He was invited by the Andrew Simson Sailing foundation to Weymouth for 5 days special training because of his high performance.

Colin Magee, Principal and Senior Instructor was selected for the Coach of the Year Award for his work with the Leicestershire Racing team who now stand at 5th in the UK. Colin, who has been coaching for 50 years, trains the only youth racing team representing Leicestershire. Training in small placid lakes in the East Midlands the team compete on rough coastal waters always scoping top trophies. In 2016 at the National Schools Sailing championships which took place at Gorlestan Sailing Club in Great Yarmouth, the team scooped 5 of the top trophies. Top international sailors such as Mike Wood, and up and coming champions such as Maddy Kirk and Joe Stocker have all begun their sailing careers under Colin’s tuition.

Colin (middle) accepting his award from Mark Shardlow (BBC Midlands) and Cllr Peter Wallace (right)

However Colin’s main focus has always been teaching and helping disadvantaged and disabled young people and adults. Colin has taught local schools and cadet groups for many years encouraging and promoting them on to become instructors and competitive sailors.

Oct-2016: Sponsored Sail

Members of the Leicestershire Youth Racing Team and LRYSA Volunteers did a 6 hour Sponsorded Sail to raise money for the LRYSA and also the Hinckley Mayor's Charity Fund.

Oct-2016: More Success for Maddy Kirk

Congratulations to Maddy Kirk from the LRYSA for being selected for the National Youth 4 . 7 Laser Squad by the RYA.

Maddy is still only 16 and continues to progress in her sailing career.

Our principal Colin Magee the LRYSA instructors and the youth racing team wish her all the best for the future.

July-2016: The LRYSA Leicestershire Racing Team triumphs at the National Schools Regatta

The Leicesterhire Racing Team scooped 5 trophies at the National Schools Regatta held this year at Gorleston Sailing Club near Great Yarmouth.

The NSSA Regatta is an annual event involving teams from counties throughout the UK. This year around 300 young sailors took part. Sailing for 5 days on the North Sea in harsh weather was particularly hard this year for all the young people taking part.

Matt Haywood won the Seamanship award, and the President’s award. Matt from Kirby Muxloe is the Leicestershire Team Captain sailing in his last year with the team having reached 18 this year.

Joe Stocker was awarded the Haywood Tankard for the highest performing Leicestershire Sailor. Joe from Hinckley is also in his last year with the team.

Two Leicestershire sailors Nathan Blundell, and Edward Green, were named sailors of the week for their skill in the double handed Xenon dinghy one of the hardest and fastest boats to sail within the fleet. The boys aged 16 were awarded the Mayors Shield.

Edward who has only 50% sight also won the High Flyers award. His prize will give him 5 days sailing in Weymouth with the Andrew Simpson sailing foundation.

Colin Magee Principal and Chairman of the LRYSA said “I and the team managers are very proud of our young team who were competing against youngsters who have the advantage of living near to the sea and have coastal training on a regular basis. Our team train on a placid inland lake every week, so their achievement is even more impressive because of that”

May-2016: Hinckley & Bosworth Mayor's Charity Appeal

The Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth announces the beneficiaries of his Charity Appeal and will be raising funds for two causes during his civic year:

Leicestershire Animal Aid at Huncote

Leicestershire & Rutland Youth Sailing Association

Mar-2016: Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Bulletin

Our latest awards were published in this edition of the Bulletin - Sporting achievements rewarded - View the Article here

Adult Volunteer of the Year awarded to John Parry

Club of the Year awarded to The LRYSA

Sep-2015: Inter Schools Regatta

The Annual Inter Schools Regatta was held at Bosworth Water Trust on Wednesday 2nd July. All the students taking part were from 6 local schools and had all trained with the Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association (LRYSA) over the Spring and Summer terms under coach Colin Magee. 48 students aged between 9 and 18 qualified to Level One Junior Sailing Standard. The Regatta gives the students the chance to race against each other in what was a very successful and enjoyable day. More advanced young sailors from the LRYSA Racing Team volunteered their time to help organise and run the event.

The Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth (Jeffery Bannister) and the deputy Mayor presented the prizes to the winning school on the day. Redmoor Academy took first place, followed by Dixie Grammar in second, and Dorothy Goodman in third. A special Endeavour trophy is awarded each year to the student who had shown the most improvement and commitment. This trophy was awarded to Ethan Quinney from Dorothy Goodman.

Councillor Keith Lynch the president of the LRYSA congratulated all the children for what they had achieved, and thanked the parents and teachers for their support.

Jul-2015: LRYSA Host the NSSA National Youth Regatta

The LRYSA hosted the prestigious NSSA National Youth Regatta on 26th – 31st July 2015.

Check out a video of some of the activities of the week here

EAST MIDLANDS BBC footage can be found here

The NSSA National Youth Regatta is a week-long sailing event where young people represent a local association, school or club and sail as part of a team to compete for individual and team trophies. This team ethos permeates the event as many camp together and take part in evening sporting activities. It provides a fantastic wider experience for the sailor staying away from home, and many of the young people make life-long friends.

Racing during the week consists of around ten races in fleets such as Topper, Laser, Fast and Slow Handicap. A Rookie fleet for those in their first year racing away from their home club provides a supportive training environment for younger sailors. Also during the week is a day of one-off races including the prestigious Mount Haes Trophy, raced in heats in two-person boats provided by the event organisers. This provides exciting fast-paced racing close into the shore for spectators to enjoy and support their teams.