The inaugural Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) Youth Sailing Awards was held at the club’s Gala Dinner evening on Saturday, 27th June. The objective was to congratulate and award the success of the club’s youth sailors over the past 12 months.
RVYC Flag Vice Commodore Mark Hamill-Stewart welcomed the audience and thanked the continued support of the club’s and the event’s sponsors who provided much needed support and prizes for the evening. Included in this were Quicksilver/Roxy, Sheraton Pattaya Hotel, Centara Grand Pratamnak Hill, Siam Winery, Cartoon Network Amazone, Mantra, Big Chilli, Pattaya Mail and Pattaya People.
Youth Sailor of the Year, Miki Athit Romanyk (2nd right), receives his award from RVYC Flag Vice Commodore Mark Hamill-Stewart (2nd left), Scott Montgomery (right) and Jordan Rumsby (left).
Mark also mentioned that one of RVYC’s core principals is to promote sailing in Thailand, continuing the impetus and legacy from the club’s Royal Patron, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. “The RVYC is mandated to continually support youth sailing, allowing opportunities for young potential to prosper, enjoy and keep healthy, whilst learning a positive sport in a family friendly environment,” he said.
The guest speaker was Kamolwan Chanyim, Gold Medalist at the recent SEA Games, sailing in the Laser Radial class. She talked about the skills required for a young sailor to achieve success: “As a young sailor there are both good and bad days on the water, but it’s the determination and perseverance to pick yourself up from the bad days that creates a successful champion,” she advised.
Som-O (left) receives the Best Individual Performance award (female) from Tom Vernon.
The awards presentation continued with a focus on past achievements of the candidates by RVYC Sailing Director Jordan Rumsby who said, “It was a challenge to select individual winners from each category due to the strength of talented individuals who partake in our programs. There are many deserving winners for each award.”
After the judging panel had made their final choices, this year’s awards were presented as follows: Most Improved Beginner award went to Gabriel McCartan (Male) & Jade Gavin (Female); Coaches Choice award was won by Alex Frefel (Male) & Joanne Gavin (Female); Most Improved Overall award went to Win Thananitayaudom (Male) & Sophia Montgomery (Female); Best Individual Performance award was collected by Aim Panot (Male) & Som-O (Female); Best Team Sailor Overall award was presented to Miki Athit Romanyk and the prestigious RVYC Youth Sailor of the Year award was also won by Miki Athit Romanyk.
After the young sailors had all received a standing ovation, Jordan requested the audience to raise their glasses in a toast to the group of people who most support the RVYC youth sailors, the dedicated parents. “We wouldn’t have this great evening without these people, thank you,” said Jordan.
Note: For more information about the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the sailing programs offered there, check website: www.varuna. org, or www.facebook.com/RoyalVarunaYachtClub.
(Photos: m.v. tchelistcheff)
Alex Frefel (2nd right) is presented with the Coaches Choice award (male) by Jordan Rumsby, Wren English and Oat Vongrak.
Gabriel McCartan – Most Improved Beginner (male).
Jade Gavin – Most Improved Beginner (female).
Aim Panot took the award for Best Individual Performance (male).
Coaches Choice Award (female) went to Joanne Gavin (2nd right).
Win Thananitayaudom (left) is presented with the Most Improved Sailor award (male) by Gareth Owen (centre) and Khun Mon.
Sophia Montgomery (left) won the award for Most Improved Sailor (female).
Youth sailors pose with RVYC Committee members and Awards sponsors.
