Princess Anne hands over award
Welshman Ifan James has been named Yachtmaster of the Year by the RYA.
Mr James, from Pembrokeshire, was presented with the trophy by RYA president Princess Anne at yesterday’s London Boat Show.
He said: ‘It was a real surprise when (RYA training manager) Richard (Falk) phoned to say that I had been put forward for the award and then an even bigger surprise when he said I had won.
‘In anything that I do want to be the best that I can and I will do my utmost to be my best.
‘My advice to anyone taking their RYA Yachtmaster practical exam is simply to have the confidence to believe in yourself and your ability.’
Mr Falk said that ‘Ifan stood out as an extremely clear first choice’.
Mr James’ examiner was chief examiner James Stevens, who said: ‘Ifan is a confident and competent skipper who is clearly at ease on the water. I felt relaxed and comfortable at all times with him in charge and was impressed by both his sailing and command skills.’
He now works as an instructor for Storm Force Coaching in Southampton and will take his Yachtmaster Instructor exam in two weeks.
RYA announces Yachtmaster of the Year.