Annabel Vose and Megan Brickwood announced as Southern region RYA Regional Young Sailors of the Year 

2011 RYA Southern Region Young Sailor of the Year announced

Annabel Vose from Curdridge and Megan Brickwood from Hamble will pick up one of youth sailing’s most prestigious awards in the New Year, the RYA Southern Region Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011, in recognition of their achievements in the sport throughout the year.  

Annabel and Megan have also been selected by the Committee of the Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) as one of three finalists for the national YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year Award.  This is a fantastic achievement and the award has been won in the past by the likes of gold medal winner, Ben Ainslie.  

Annabel and Megan, who are members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble and the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, kick started 2011 by winning the Ladies World Title in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the 420 Class World Championships at just 16 years old, breaking their mast during the event.

The girls achieved the RYA’s elite Team GBR’s best result at the Championship for five years.  They won Silver at the 2011 Flanders Regatta in Nieuwpoort, Belgium and were the first female crew,  winning the Bronze medal in the female fleet at the 2011 Open 420 Junior European Championships, also held in Nieuwpoort.  

“We are so excited about being recognised in this way,” comments Annabel. 

“2011 was a fantastic year and we are really looking forward to our busy sailing programme in 2012.  Being nominated as regional young sailors of the year is a great way to end a busy season, and a great motivator to do even better next year!”  

On Saturday 07 January Annabel and Megan will join thirteen other RYA Regional Award winners from all over the UK at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show. 

They will enjoy a VIP day out at the show where they will also be present the eagerly anticipated awards ceremony at which they will receive their trophy. It will also mark the end of a very successful partnership for the two girls, who pursue new goals in 2012.   RYA Chief Executive Sarah Treseder says: “Winning an RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year Award is a fantastic achievement and I am delighted to recognise the talent of these people and the dedication they show for our sport.    

“Awards such as this highlight the fact that so many young sailors are out there on the water enjoying themselves and achieving brilliant things"