RYANI Annual Award winners 2016 celebrate their success with RYANI Chair Sheela Lewis at Royal Ulster Yacht Club.

Northern Ireland’s most talented sailors and dedicated volunteers have been honoured at the RYA NI annual awards in Royal Ulster Yacht Club, Bangor.

With 13 prize winners, 90 guests and five Olympians in attendance, the prestigious ceremony recognised successful sailors, rising stars and volunteers who have made a positive difference to the sport in 2016.

Special guests included Dame Mary Peters, Olympic sailor Ryan Seaton and Irish Olympic Coach Rory Fitzpatrick, who coached Silver medallist Annalise Murphy through the Rio games.

There was stiff competition for all categories, with Young Sailor and Powerboater of the Year going to Liam Glynn of Ballyholme Yacht Club and Hannah Blair of Carrickfergus Sailing Club, who have both shown impressive dedication and skill. Young Volunteer of the Year went to Tori Blair who admirably spent much of her spare time helping to run training and sailing sessions in her home clubs, Carrickfergus Sailing Club and Belfast Lough Sailability.

The Club Race Coach of the Year award went dynamic duo Andrew Mitchell and Jocelyn Hill, who have inspired young sailors to compete through a comprehensive series of training sessions at County Antrim Yacht Club. The sessions were fun and supportive and have been a huge success, with the club winning Club trophy at this year’s RYANI Youth Championships.

The most hotly contested categories were Instructor of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Alison Boyd and Ian Dancklefsen from Donaghadee Sailing Club were crowned Volunteers of the Year after co-ordinating Friday fun nights for children, with record numbers attending. Instructor of the Year went to Kieran Loderfrom Killyleagh Outdoor Education Centre for his work with Seaboard Sailing Association, where he is renowned for going beyond the call of duty. Kieran has inspired many young people to get involved in sailing and leaves a legacy of young sailors progressing to RYA Dinghy Instructor and higher, who have then returned to help support the association.

The top award of the evening, Club of the Year, went to Quoile Yacht Club. The club had an impressive 2016, hosting visitors and tourists from across the globe, as well as running many high quality events and attracting members through innovative events.

Speaking at the awards, Chair of RYA NI, Sheela Lewis said: “This excellent occasion recognises the commitment of so many people to sailing and boating in Northern Ireland.

“2016 was a fabulous year for our sport, we have had many successes and our clubs and athletes have been brilliant ambassadors for our sport. I look forward to another thrilling year of sailing and boating as it is very evident that we have great talent within our clubs. I am especially proud of all of our volunteers who have been invaluable to us. Volunteers are the bedrock of the sport and we are very grateful for all they do to facilitate sailing and yachting events throughout Northern Ireland.”

As well as the seven annual awards, there were four special awards on the night, honouring achievement and exceptional contribution.

James Espey from Ballyholme Yacht Club was given an award for his extraordinary achievement this year during his Olympic campaign. While he didn’t secure a spot in Rio, he won multiple National titles along the way.

Matt McGovern, Ballyholme Yacht Club, and Ryan Seaton, Carrickfergus Sailing Club, were recognised for representing Ireland at Rio 2016 and finishing in the top 10 in their class.

An award also went to the Hill Family who provided comfort and kindness to a young sailor who needed hospital treatment during the Topper Worlds.

A Special Award was given to Ronnie Browne for his dedication in promoting sailing and boating in Northern Ireland. Ronnie retired from his post as Chief Operations Officer of RYANI in May after serving for 10 years in the post, and a number of years on the Board.