Celebrating Double Sailing Triumph at the Scottish Sports Awards

Scottish sailing took centre stage at the Scottish Sports Awards on Monday 15 December at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, with two remarkable individuals honoured for their achievements and contributions to the sport: Ann Roy, named Technical Official of the Year, and Andy Brown, crowned Athlete of the Year.

Ann Roy – Technical Official of the Year

Ann Roy’s award as Technical Official of the Year recognises her outstanding contribution to race management in Scotland and beyond. Known for her professionalism, calm authority, and unwavering commitment, Ann has become an invaluable figure at events ranging from regional regattas to world championships.

As Scotland’s only female National Race Officer, Ann has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated role, inspiring more women and girls to pursue officiating. In the 2024–2025 season alone, she officiated at eight major events, including the RYA Scotland Winter Championships, Topper Nationals, Flying Fifteen Nationals, 49er Nationals, and the RYA Youth National Championships. Internationally, Ann played key roles at the Techno World Championships, Raceboard Master Worlds, and the Women’s Offshore Keelboat Championship. Across these events, she helped deliver over 180 races, involving more than 700 boats and boards and 650 sailors.

Speaking on the win, Ann said:

"I was shocked, I couldn't believe it. When you look at the depth and breadth across Scotland, and little me from the West Coast has won something on a national stage.

"I get a lot of satisfaction out of delivering fair, good racing. That in itself is great."

Ann’s expertise spans multiple roles - Principal Race Officer (PRO), Course Race Officer (CRO), Deputy Race Officer (DRO), and Assistant Race Officer (ARO) - each requiring precision, leadership, and adaptability. Whether managing trapezoid courses for youth windsurfing fleets or overseeing offshore keelboat racing, Ann ensures fairness and professionalism on every racecourse.

With her passion and commitment setting her apart, Ann gives her time freely, travelling long distances, arriving early, and staying late to ensure events run smoothly. Recently, she passed her International Race Officer Exam, taking a huge step toward becoming Scotland’s first International Race Officer (IRO) - a goal RYA Scotland proudly supports.

Andy Brown – Athlete of the Year

Andy Brown’s recognition as Athlete of the Year closes off an extraordinary year for the British Sailing Team windsurfing star. In July, Andy secured the biggest win of his career to date when he scooped Gold at the iQFOiL World Championships, the current Olympic windsurfing discipline. This landmark victory not only cements his reputation on the global stage but also sets the tone for his ambitious LA 2028 Olympic Games campaign.

Reacting to his win, Andy said:

"I'm honoured to recieve the Athlete of the Year Award.This year has been a bit surreal. I've made huge steps forwards in my sailing, now pushing on to next year.

"It's pretty cool to have sailing on the big stage. It's an incredibly exciting sport.

"Thanks for all the support from RYA Scotland, the British Sailing Team, UK Sport, and my family and friends. It's much appreciated, so thank you."

Looking ahead, Andy will defend his World Championship title on home waters next year when the iQFOiL Worlds come to Weymouth, the British Sailing Team’s base.

Beyond his competitive success, Andy is deeply committed to the future of Scottish windsurfing. As RYA Scotland’s Head iQFOiL Coach and an active supporter of the Scottish Fin & Foil Association, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring emerging talent. Just weeks after his world title win, Andy was back on home soil at the Scottish Fin & Foil Championships in Stranraer, coaching young athletes, providing live-stream commentary, and engaging with local media to spotlight Stranraer as a growing hub for water sports.

Andy’s achievements, resilience, and dedication make him an exceptional ambassador for sailing and windsurfing.

RYA Scotland congratulate Andy and Ann on their thoroughly deserved recognition, and celebrate their impact both on and off the water.