Banff sailing club in the picture for awards

A north-east sailing club has been shortlisted for an award which recognises the contribution it has made to the sport in Scotland. Banff Sailing Club and its sailors feature in the Royal Yachting Association’s end-of-year awards after having worked tirelessly to promote local cruising activities. Ivor Clarke, the club’s commodore, said yesterday that everyone at the club was “delighted” to be in the frame. He added: “We had tremendous activity throughout the year, but especially the increase in local cruising activity which allowed those returning to sailing or those new to sailing the opportunity to day cruise on member’s yachts to begin or renew their sailing interest.” Jane Bowie, a member of the club, has been nominated for the RYA’s Elizabeth MacKay Award for female endeavours in the sport of sailing. Ms Bowie wants more people to get involved. She said: “We put no pressure on any newcomer to join the club immediately. It is all about getting to know and meeting the members of what is an established club. “The thrill of being on the water is special. Sailing teaches you many disciplines. “After a really good sail, you get such a buzz that you just want to do it all over again.” The club will travel to Glasgow for the awards ceremony on January 23. A judging panel, comprising Tony Gorzkowski, the RYA Scotland chairman, Jane Kerr of the sportscotland Trust, Alistair Vallance, editor of Yachting Life and Terence Brownrigg, were all impressed by the standard of the nominations detailing the commitment and successes of boating in Scotland.