Salcombe sailor celebrated in Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards
The inspirational work of a Salcombe Yacht Club stalwart has been recognised in this year’s prestigious Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards.
The Awards have been celebrating the best of women’s sport for 37 years – from those working in community sport to those competing at the highest levels on the world stage.
Jayne Morris, the sailing coordinator at SYC, has been shortlisted for this year’s Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year Award, for individuals who have actively engaged with people in their community through sport.
Jayne inspires people of all ages to try sailing, imbuing every session, from weekly beginner sessions to more advanced ones, with her infectious love of the sport.
On learning of her nomination, Jayne said: “I'm hugely grateful and in awe that I should have been nominated. I feel fortunate to have such a passion for sailing and have always enjoyed helping others and engaging and progressing with the sport.”
Her tireless enthusiasm has resulted in record numbers of nominations for this award – and with the winner determined by a public vote, cast your vote today to help achieve this ultimate accolade for Jayne and for the sport.
Voting is expected to be open until late November, with those voting in with a chance to win a luxury four-night stay in Switzerland.
Winners across all awards categories will be announced at a ceremony in January 2025.
About Jayne
Jayne’s own obsession with sailing began at the age of 10 when she went on a course with the Girl Guides before progressing to national competitions and into university sailing, becoming the first female Commodore at her university sailing club.
She started teaching the Scouts after having her three sons and felt strongly that children from all backgrounds should be able to access the sport and all the benefits it can offer young people.
She became involved with Salcombe Yacht Club 20 years ago, where she has been part-time sailing coordinator for the past 14 years and has pushed for more progressive and social-based sailing to try and open up the sport to newcomers.
Jayne has always had great enthusiasm for the Cadet schemes at SYC and gives time to individuals to help them find their confidence. She remains committed to increasing the number of boats and sessions, as well as helping to run the extensive sailing programme at the club.
Not only interested in opportunities for young people, she started the popular ‘Ladies that Launch’ initiative for women who are new or returning to sailing, which was so popular that she launched the parallel ‘Buoys Aloud’ initiative for men.
As a coach, Jayne encourages those of all levels of ability to grow and pursue their sailing goals, committed to making the club inclusive and accessible to all.
She’s adamant that “It's never too late to try sailing. Age is not a barrier. I'm 61 but feel like a teenager when I'm in a boat.”
“Whatever your age you can be involved in sailing. Look up an RYA course at your local Club.”
Broadening horizons
Jayne continued: “Having the opportunity to catch the wind and move forward can give so much enjoyment, and a lifelong fascination with the weather! That being a very British trait, it’s no wonder we produce good sailors!
“From learning to sail, to creek exploration, racing, and cruising, the world afloat opens up in unexpected ways.”
Jayne’s passion for the sport is infectious and she’s proud of the impact the sport and her input can have on broadening horizons.
“In teaching many young people over the years there have been individuals who didn’t want to be there on day one - yet given the opportunity to gain skills and confidence, have gone on to absolutely embrace sailing.
“Each smiling face who wants to return another day to the water gives me joy!”