Queen Mary Team15 supporter wins award

A Weybridge sailor will be presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA in recognition of his commitment to Queen Mary Sailing Club (QMSC).

Paul Stainsby has been nominated for a Lifetime Commitment Award by his club and has been selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel.  He will receive his award at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London on 21 November.    

In nominating Paul QMSC said of him: “A QMSC member for over 30 years, it is Paul’s support to Team15 windsurfing that makes his contribution really stand out. For the past decade, Paul has been an integral part of Team15, on the water almost every time Team15 has been operating, driving a powerboat and providing safety and race management support.   

“Although not a windsurfer himself, he is always very encouraging to less experienced sailors, helping them climb the learning curve rather than give up. He also uses his own racing experience to help the top end of the fleet become high achievers. From this QMSC have a regular and enthusiastic group of windsurfers and some top end racing sailors, with three windsurfers having made RYA national squads.   

“In addition, Paul is a Regional Race Officer and is particularly keen to support youth classes. He is very encouraging in his approach to youth events from the manner of the briefing through a flexible approach to race management to acting as rules advisor.”   

Paul said of being selected: “I was delighted to hear about the award. I am keen to promote sailing whenever possible, and particularly to encourage the youth sailors who have left the zone squads not to give up sailing but to show them that there are other ambitions in the sport.”   

Team15 is an RYA scheme to provide a nationwide network of windsurfing clubs where young people aged 15 and under can get together every week to learn new windsurfing skills and have a laugh with their mates on the water.

For more information about sailing in the Thames Valley and London region visit ThamesValleyRegion