Ron Hutchieson who has been involved with Lasers longer than many of us have ever been sailing them. He's fondly known to some of us as “Uncle Ron” who never misses an Icebreaker Dinner. Well, he’s certainly done it in style this time – no he didn’t run into a bunch of cattle with his Volvo. Ron Hutchieson was nominated by the Irish Laser Class Association and was announced as the ISA Volunteer of the Year at the Awards Dinner on Saturday 6th March.

At the RYA NI AGM, Rory Flannigan was awarded the ‘Young Powerboater of the Year Award’ for his incredibly close finish in the UK finals at Southampton last month.

Ballyholme Yacht Club has been awarded a cheque for £500 by local Volvo dealer SMW Belfast, after entering the Volvo Eco Challenge.

Tifany Brien,who was nominated by RYA NI for her outstanding achievements last season received one of the eleven 2007’s most inspiring young sailors awards atthe Collins Stewart London Boat Show. The awards were presented by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and recognise the outstanding achievements of youth sailors across the country.

Tiffany was presented with the award at the RYA NI AGM in October.

This recognises its first class race training programmes for junior members, making it the tenth club in Northern Ireland to achieve this standard.

James Farrell of Cushendall has been the head coach of the RYA NI Youth Squad for seven years and has been recognised for his fantastic coaching performance in producing four out of a total of nine sailors representing the British Isles at last Decembers Laser Radial Worlds. Two of his charges were sailing for GBR and two for IRL.

Joe Slater, from Coleraine Yacht Club, has been honoured by the RYA for his contribution to sailing and received the Lifetime Commitment award from HRH The Princess Royal at a ceremony in Church House, Westminster.

At a prestigious ceremony in Church House, Westminster, HRH The Princess Royal presented Harold Boyle with the RYA award for distinguished services to yachting.

John Beatty (18) has been awarded the prestigious NI Young Sailor of the Year prize and now goes forward to the National competition.