At the annual SYCSA end of season prize giving

• Over 100 young sailors and their guests attended a buffet lunch prepared in newly installed galley at Durleigh Sailing Club.

• Awards and prizes were presented by Pete Upton, SYCSA's Principal.
  
• In his opening remarks on the season, Pete Branson (Chair of SYCSA) reminded everyone that this was the 14th Annual Presentation lunch, and marked the 15th successful year for the Saturday Morning Club's operation. He thanked all volunteers who made the Club run successfully.
• Over 30 volunteers were given gifts to recognise their regular commitment in running the Saturday Morning Club.
• He also thanked the raffle sponsors Birthday Boy for their generous donations.
  
• A special award was donated by the Steadman family in recognition of SYCSA's help in the personal development of their daughter Anna. The award for the most improved newcomer went to Luke Warman.

• Outstanding achiever of the year was Liam Satchell who reached Stage 4 and was voted by the SYCSA Instructors as the all round most improved sailor who made most personal progress during the season.

• During the season over 80 young sailors were working towards their RYA Youth Sailing Scheme awards were as follows:
  • 11achieved Stage 1
  • 4 achieved Stage 2
  • 4 achieved Stage 3
  • 4 achieved Stage 4 successfully.
  • 25 young sailors were also awarded Certificates of Achievement for various personal successes over the season

   

• Over 40 adult sailors also achieved qualifications on the RYA Adult Sailing or Powerboat Schemes via SYCSA training courses.
• 1 sailor became a Senior Instructor
• 5 sailors achieved Instructor awards, all of whom are under 21
• 3 sailors achieved RYA Race Coach qualifications.
• 2 sailors achieved RYA Level 3 seamanship Skills.

• The annual Saturday Morning Race series winner was Lucy Stockton.

• 2008 saw the start of the Friday Race Club, a joint venture between Durleigh Sailing Club and SYCSA. The aim of the Club is to encourage and support youngsters to race locally and in regional events.
• We entered teams in 2 regional events, both at Chew Valley Lake, both had to be cancelled because one event was a "blow out", the other lacked any wind at all.
• We hope for better conditions next year!