A GP from Southampton has been named RYA Yachtmaster of the Year. Dr Philip Meakins was presented with the award this afternoon by RYA President, HRH The Princess Royal. He was described by his examiner as being ‘always ahead of the plan, taking it all in his stride and not phased by anything.’ Dr Meakins has over 30 years’ experience on the water ranging from family cruising throughout Europe to racing in the Solent and the Channel. He was one of over 2,500 candidates reviewed world-wide for the award.

The RYA Yachtmaster of the Year award is given to outstanding candidates who have demonstrated exceptional competence in completing their practical exam. The pinnacle of RYA training, a Yachtmaster is a yachtsman or woman who has the knowledge and competence to skipper a motor or sailing yacht on coastal and cross-Channel passages. He or she must be able to cope with plain sailing as well as the most demanding situations.