Success for Northern Irish sailors at Ards and North Down Sports Awards

Northern Irish sailors and volunteers were recognised for their recent successes at the Ards and North Down Sports Awards. 

The event, which was held at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel on 21 March, featured participants from a wide range of sports across Ards and North Down, so it was particularly special to see Northern Irish sailors being held in such high regard within the wider sporting community. 

Leo Westhurst, Emily and Annabel Ridout, Stephen Glasgow and Robin Gray all picked up awards on the night. 

Leo Westhurst- U15 Sports Person of the Year nominee  

Leo is a fantastic young prospect within Northern Irish sailing and finished 2nd in the Topper 4.2 Irish Nationals and 4th in the Topper 4.2 World Championships last year. He has now transitioned to sailing the Topper 5.3 and will compete in that class in the coming season. 

Emily and Annabel Ridout- Young Team of the Year 

Sister duo Annabel and Emily Ridout have had an excellent year on the water. Last summer, they won the RS Feva Irish National Championships and followed it up with a win at the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Championships. They were also a significant part of the team from Sullivan Upper School which won the Schools Cup Trophy.

You can read more about members of the NI Sailing Team here.

Stephen Glasgow- Volunteer of the Year 

Stephen manages, maintains and co-ordinates the Ballyholme Yacht Club rescue fleet. He played a crucial role in the running of the ILCA 6 Youth European Championships when they came to Northern Ireland in July. 

Robin Gray- Lifetime Service Award 

Robin is one of the United Kingdom’s most decorated Race Officials and recently stepped down as Chair of the RYA National Race Management Committee. He has experience as a Race Official all over the world and recently received an RYA Emeritus Award, for his contributions to Race Officiating. 

For more details about the evening, please visit the Northern Ireland Sailing Team website.