Ellie secures a prestigious award (From Western Telegraph)

Ellie secures a prestigious award

10:00am Monday 28th January 2013 in Sport

Fishguard sailor Ellie Meopham was presented with the prestigious RYA Wales Region Young Sailor of the Year Award 2012 at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show.

The award recognises the outstanding achievements of youth sailors and powerboaters across the country.

“Awards like this are a bit of an eye-opener really, you spend so much time focusing on your own performance and what you are doing that you do not really get much perspective,” said 17-yearold Meopham.

“It is nice to take a step back and see what other people your age are doing and it is inspiring as well as rewarding.”

Ellie was voted RYA Wales Regional Young Sailor of the Year 2012 last autumn for a remarkable year, with the highlight being fourth place in the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships, missing out on a medal by a whisker.

The Welsh sailor’s fourth place finish is Britain’s best result since 2005 when Alison Young, London 2012 Team GB Laser Radial sailor, finished third in Busan, Korea.

She was also emulating the success of Olympic gold medal prospect Hannah Mills by qualifying to represent Great Britain in the event, while pushing strongly for one of the top places.

She has since been chosen to train alongside the Olympic Development Squad with an eye to competing at the highest international level in the future.

Ellie was among 13 RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year winners who are nominated by RYA affiliated sailing clubs. The awards were presented by Bob Fisher, Chairman of the Yachting Journalists Association (YJA).

Ellie and her family were treated to an action packed VIP day at the show, thanks to Pantaenius Yacht Insurance.