Vote now for sailing nominees at 2024 Sporting Equals Awards
The RYA is delighted to see sailing shortlisted in two categories at the 2024 Sporting Equals Awards – and we need your help to shine a spotlight on our outstanding nominees!
The Awards recognise and celebrate the contributions made by ethnically diverse people and communities to sport, and mark their eighth edition this year.
We’re proud to see sailing developer Asher Robinson in the running for the Community Champion of the Year prize, and Kai Hockley (above) among the three shortlisted athletes in the Young Sportsperson of the Year category.
Winners are determined by a public vote which closes on Friday 27 September, so cast yours now and show your support for our sailing role models who are helping increase visibility and participation across more communities in our sport.
About the nominees
Community Champion nominee Asher Robinson (above) is on a personal mission to make the sport of sailing a place where Black and Asian communities feel they belong. Facing many challenges in his own progress in the sport, he has been instrumental in the creation, delivery and refinement of the RYA’s East London Instructor Project, giving young people from ethnically diverse communities the training, support and confidence to know that they too can have a place as qualified instructors and be the next generation of leaders in the sport.
His work is impacting community sailing venues across the city who are welcoming instructors from a wide range of backgrounds who never previously had these opportunities.
Young Sportsperson nominee Kai Hockley (top image) has been shortlisted for his progress and achievements since July 2023. That year he won the Quarter-Tonner Trophy and the B&G Young Sailor Trophy at the Round the Island Race. At Cowes Week 2023, Kai helmed an Etchells and was the highest placed Under 25 helm in the regatta, winning the Musto Young Skipper Trophy.
Earlier this year, Kai was selected by Sir Ben Ainslie to join the development programme for his British teams which include the Emirates Great Britain SailGP and INEOS Britannia America’s Cup teams.